SRINAGAR: People in the Kashmir valley are facing acute shortage of mutton as butchers continue to be on strike over price fixation.
Majority of the mutton shops have been closed for the past week after the authorities launched a massive drive against the butchers violating rates fixed by the government.
Mutton was being sold at the rate of more than 320-350 per kg against the government approved rate of Rs 280 per kilo.
The strike continues as so far there has been no agreement with the authorities for a new price.
A number of meat shops are now selling dressed chicken, particularly in the summer capital Srinagar.
The mutton dealers alleged that they are being provided a kg of mutton at the rate of Rs 320 by wholesale dealers and that it was not possible for them to sell it at Rs 280 per kg.
The butchers have informed the authorities that 26,000 sheep are imported to the Valley from outside the State on weekly basis for supply of meat to consumers.
“There is a gap between supply and demand which results in price rise,” a mutton dealer said.
