Panic and anger have gripped several areas of Kashmir after reports emerged that rotten meat was being sold and consumed in parts of the Valley, leading to multiple cases of food poisoning and severe health complications.

According to health officials, dozens of people have been hospitalized over the last two days with symptoms including vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and high fever. Preliminary investigations point to the consumption of spoiled or unhygienically stored meat as the cause.

Local residents in areas like Anantnag, Pulwama, and parts of Srinagar reported foul-smelling meat being sold at unusually low prices. "We bought mutton from a known local butcher, but the smell and texture were strange. Within a few hours, my children fell seriously ill," said Fareeda Begum, a resident of Pulwama, whose family is currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital.

Health officials from the Directorate of Food Safety have launched a swift investigation, raiding meat shops and cold storage units suspected of distributing the contaminated meat. Samples have been sent to laboratories for testing, and several shops have been sealed as a precautionary measure.

A senior health officer, requesting anonymity, confirmed that early reports suggest deliberate negligence by some suppliers, who allegedly stored unsold meat in unhygienic conditions amid rising temperatures and power outages. “This is a gross violation of public health norms. Legal action will be taken against those found guilty,” the official said.

The news has triggered widespread outrage, with locals demanding strict regulation of meat supply chains and routine quality checks. Videos and photos of visibly decomposed meat being sold have gone viral on social media, further fueling public anger.

Kashmir Traders and Butchers Association (KTBA) has distanced itself from the culprits, condemning the sale of spoiled meat and urging authorities to ensure that licensed vendors follow hygiene protocols. "The integrity of our trade is at stake. We want those violating public trust to be punished severely," said KTBA spokesperson Bashir Ahmad.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued advisories urging people to be cautious while purchasing meat and to report any suspicious products to the authorities. Emergency helplines have been activated, and additional medical staff have been deployed in affected areas to handle the surge in patients.

As investigations continue, families affected by the incident are calling for accountability and compensation. “It’s not just about falling sick; it’s about trust and safety. We want justice,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, whose elderly father remains critical after consuming the tainted meat.

This alarming incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger food safety enforcement in the region, especially amid growing health vulnerabilities and rising temperatures that increase the risk of food spoilage.