Rotten Meat Scandal: Mirwaiz Seeks Transparency, Calls for Local Slaughterhouses and Strong Halal Mechanism

SRINAGAR: Expressing serious concern over the rotten meat scandal that has dominated public discourse for more than two weeks, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq today said the lack of transparency in the government’s follow-up has only deepened people’s anxiety and mistrust.

Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, the Mirwaiz said that while authorities have repeatedly assured the public of a thorough investigation, there is still little clarity about the case. “Which people are behind it, for how long has it been going on, and have any arrests been made? All this needs to be put in the public domain to address people’s concern and anxiety,” he said.

He underlined that those involved in what he described as a “heinous act” that endangered people’s health and lives must face strict action without any leniency. Once facts are shared, the Mirwaiz added, a foolproof system must be put in place to ensure such incidents never recur.

Calling for structural reforms, he emphasised that Kashmir urgently needs its own regulated slaughterhouses where hygiene, Islamic guidelines, and food safety standards are strictly observed. “The government and the business community must work together to establish these facilities, because people cannot blindly trust what comes from outside without scrutiny,” he said.

The Mirwaiz also announced that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has constituted a seven-member committee of jurists representing all schools of thought to deliberate on the issue. He noted that the MMU already operates a Halal Certification Board, which will now be expanded and strengthened to ensure proper compliance with Islamic standards.

“MMU is fully willing to cooperate with the government in this matter to preserve the Islamic character of halal food and to safeguard the health and trust of our people,” the Mirwaiz reiterated.