Kashmir valley facing acute shortage of meat

Srinagar, Feb 10 (UNI) Almost all the butcher shops remained closed in the Kashmir valley where about 5000 sheeps and goats were being consumed daily by the people before the month-long meat shortage, first due to strike in Delhi Bakra mandi and now due to closure of highway for the past six days.

However, fresh vegetables, eggs and local fish was available in the market.

The butcher shops remained closed in the valley, including Srinagar, for the past one-month as the wholesale dealers said they could not import sheeps and goats from other northern states.

There was about a month long strike in Delhi mandi which ended not long before the highway was closed for vehicular traffic due to snowfall and landslides.

A wholesale meat dealer said whatever stock was imported after the strike ended in Delhi mandi, has already been consumed.

About 5000 sheeps and goats were being consumed by the people in the valley daily before strike in Delhi mandi. However, the number increases on festival and marriage season, officials said.

There was also shortage of chicken in some areas in the valley.

More than 30,000 chicken were being consumed by the people everyday in the valley.

Bird flu threat has partially affected sale of chicken. However, government has categorically said there was no threat of bird flu and all samples taken from different areas, including from the migratory birds, have tested negative.

Eggs which were being sold at Rs 24 per a dozen before the closure of the highway, is now Rs 30 per dozen. Similarly, prices of vegetables was also marginally high against prices before highway closure.

Prices of local fish and vegetables also increased though a number of shopkeepers were fined for selling essential commodities on higher rates.

UNI BAS FMH BDP RN1505