Idara Shariah passes resolution seeking ban on frozen meat imports, strict inspections and crackdown on counterfeit drugs, alcohol and narcotics
Srinagar: The Grand Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, presiding over a special meeting of the Idara Shariah, has issued a strong resolution condemning the sale of rotten, foul-smelling and unsafe meat and poultry products in the J&K. The resolution calls for immediate and exemplary action against those involved.
According to the statement, recent raids by the Food Safety Department in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir led to the seizure and destruction of large quantities of spoiled meat, chicken and processed items. However, the public remains shocked and confused as to why such substandard products had been served to them for years without any action being taken earlier.
Citizens are questioning whether this situation is the result of collusion between the authorities and the meat mafia or due to sheer negligence over the past years. The resolution notes that while the mafia sells meat at ₹150 per kg claiming it to be “halal” and providing certificates, officials from the Food Safety Department themselves have cast doubts over its authenticity.
The Grand Mufti pointed out that meat sold at ₹150 per kg could not possibly be from a genuinely halal-slaughtered animal. He further stressed that the decision of what is halal or haram must be made by qualified Islamic scholars and muftis, not by government officers.
Key recommendations put forward in the resolution include:
Complete ban on the import of frozen meat and poultry within Jammu & Kashmir.
Mandatory inspection of dairy products and beverages before they are allowed in the market.
Regular quality checks on bakery products and related items.
Total prohibition on the sale of counterfeit medicines, with immediate confiscation through raids conducted in the presence of press and media.
Public advisory to completely avoid consuming items prepared from frozen chicken or frozen meat, considering them haram.
The resolution also expressed deep concern over the rising use of alcohol and intoxicants, stating that alcohol has destroyed countless homes. Religious leaders, preachers and members of civil society were urged to play an active role in educating people about the harmful effects of liquor and drugs. The public was also reminded to avoid extravagance and showmanship in weddings.
The resolution was signed by: Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, Dr. Molvi Umar Farooq, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Molana Showkat Hussain Keng, Molvi Shams-ur-Rehman Shams, Dr. Muhammad Sameer Siddiqi, Mufti Muhammad Yaqoob Baba, Mufti Ashfaq-ullah Qasmi, Agha Syed Hadi, Agha Mujtaba Abbas (Budgam), Mufti Mudasir Ahmad Qadri, Syed Saleem Gilani and Ajaz Ahmad Banday.
