Mutton still not available in Kashmir

Srinagar: Majority butcher shops in the Kashmir Valley remained closed as the mutton dealers are not ready to sell the meat as per rates fixed by the government.
Meanwhile, the prices of all other essentials, including chicken, remained high.
Majority mutton shops in the Kashmir valley, particularly in the summer capital, Srinagar, remained closed for the past about one month after the authorities fixed the rate of Rs 220 per kg, an increase of Rs 40 against previous price.
However, the retail dealers rejected the government rate and refused to sell the mutton, demanding further increase.
Official sources said mutton was being sold at Rs 260 per kg at some places by butchers to some selected customers.
However, the common customer was not getting meat in the market.
The retailers alleged that they are being provided meat on higher rates by the kothdars therefore, they cannot sell the meat as per government rates.
Meanwhile, concerned over the closure of meat shops and non availability of meat in the market, the Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asgar Samoon has set up April 21 as deadline for kothdars and retailers to resolve their issue by then, when a meeting of all stake holders was being held in his office here to discuss the issue.