Mohd Irfan
As the Muslim community eagerly awaits the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Adha, scheduled to be celebrated on June 17, 2024, tensions are brewing over the government’s failure to issue a circular fixing the rates of essential commodities, including sacrificial animals and mutton.
The Muslim fraternity has voiced its collective frustration and dismay at the government’s apparent inaction, claiming that the absence of a rate fixation order has left them vulnerable to potential exploitation by unscrupulous sellers of sacrificial animals.
Attempts by The Hidden News to obtain comments from the Director of Sheep Husbandry, Jammu, proved futile, as he remained unavailable for a statement, and subsequent text messages went unanswered.
One social activist, who wished to remain anonymous, lamented the government’s delay, stating, “The sooner the government issues an order, the better it will be in the interest of the Muslim community at large. Delaying the public announcement of sacrificial animal rates will give sellers a free hand to make a quick profit, and the government needs to act swiftly to prevent Muslims from being fleeced by unscrupulous sellers.”
Shabir, a local consumer, expressed frustration at the government’s failure to issue an order regarding essential commodities, exacerbating the hardships faced by the vulnerable masses. He contrasted the situation with Kashmir, where the Divisional Commissioner has directed the concerned government departments to ensure the fixation of rates for sacrificial animals and warned of strict action against defaulters who sell animals in violation of the prescribed rates.
Another local consumer, Shafiq, highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating, “Had the rates of sacrificial animals been made public, the media could have highlighted them. Now, sellers are putting animals up for sale because Eid ul Adha is just three days away, on June 17th. However, the crucial question remains: at what rate are the sacrificial animals being sold?” The Muslim fraternity is urging the government to rise to the occasion and fix the rates for sacrificial animals at the earliest, before the situation escalates further. There is a growing demand for the government to calm the anger brewing within the community by publicly announcing the sanctioned rates for sacrificial animals.
As the countdown to Eid ul Adha continues, the Muslim community’s frustration over the lack of transparency and timely action by the authorities is palpable. The government’s prompt intervention is paramount to ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration of the auspicious occasion while safeguarding the interests of the Muslim community and preventing potential exploitation.
