Despite the J&K administration fixing per kg rate of sacrificial animals ahead of the Eid ul Azha, traders continue to sell these animals at inflated prices.

According to reports, the sacrificial animals are being sold at high rates across Jammu and Kashmir with the rates varying from Rs 320 per kg to Rs 350 per kg, depending on the proximity to Srinagar.
Abdul Majeed, a resident of Rainawari said the traders are selling sheep at Rs 350 per kg and even higher, even though the government has fixed a lesser rate for sheep varieties.
“We have no option but to buy at higher rates,” Majeed said.
A meeting was held regarding fixing/review of rates of the sacrificial (Qurbani) livestock in Srinagar last week and the rates were fixed under the J&K Mutton Licensing and Control Order 1973 and SRO 31 of 1974.
In an order, the rate of Merino Cross varieties of Sheep and livestock of sheep and goats brought from outside Jammu and Kashmir has been fixed at Rs 285 a kg, those owned by Bakerwal and Kashmiri varieties has been fixed as Rs 270 a kg.
The rate for goat has been fixed as Rs 260 per kg. A government spokesperson said the new rates are Rs 50 more across the board compared to last year’s rates.
However, traders are defying the government order which is causing a lot of inconvenience to people who want to offer sacrifice of goat or sheep on the day of Eid.
“Due to Covid-19, my earning had already depleted. Now I have to spend more but I can’t skip this ritual,” said a shopkeeper in Chanpora locality on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Some affluent people, however, don’t seem to be bothered by the arbitrariness in prices of sacrificial animals, “It doesn’t matter what the price is. I have been offering sacrifice of a sheep every Eid and I will continue this ritual this year,” said Wajid Rasool, a government employee.
Locals have appealed the administration to set up special sale centers across Kashmir where the sacrificial animals could be cold at the approved rates which will provide much needed relief to people.