GANDERBAL: Apprehension gripped parts of Kangan in Ganderbal district after locals discovered severed heads of several livestock animals in Gonsi Mohalla of Akhal area, prompting immediate police action and raising fresh concerns over the ongoing rotten meat crisis in the Valley.
According to locals, the livestock heads were spotted in the area earlier, following which Kangan Police were informed. Police teams promptly reached the spot, seized the animal heads, and took them into custody for further examination.
Confirming the development, Station House Officer Police Station Kangan, Latif Ali, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that police acted swiftly after receiving information from the locals. He said that preliminary inspection revealed that two of the severed heads belonged to horses.
The discovery has sparked serious apprehensions among the locals, particularly amid the prevailing rotten meat crisis. People fear that horse meat may have been illegally supplied to consumers, taking advantage of the situation. These concerns have gained further traction as Ganderbal district has one of the largest horse populations in the region, especially due to their extensive use in tourism-related activities.
Locals demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain the source of the animals, the motive behind the act, and whether any illegal slaughter network is operating in the area. They also urged the authorities to intensify checks on meat supply chains to ensure public safety.
Police said a large-scale investigation has been initiated to determine all aspects of the incident and identify those involved. [KNT]
