The rotten Meat Row: Will it affect the Hotel Industry
By: Sahil Manzoor
In today’s era of elegant dining and polished customer service, being served unhygienic and potentially life-threatening food in a luxurious hotel setting is a tragic irony. When a tie-wearing waiter presents rotten Ristas, kebabs, or Gushtabas, it signals a deep crisis in the hotelier industry across Kashmir Valley.
Such incidents not only endanger public health but also damage the credibility built by honest, dedicated professionals who have nurtured this industry with integrity and fair trade. .
If left unchecked, these practices will erode public trust and tarnish the legacy set by the pioneers of Kashmiri hospitality. Those responsible must be blacklisted and penalized under the law. This is more than a business failure—it is a betrayal of public trust.
A Bigger Concern: Youth and the Employment Mind-set
I carry a deep concern for the youth of Kashmir. While complaints about unemployment are valid, the root problem often lies not in the absence of jobs, but in a mind-set that waits for opportunities instead of creating them.
A truly skilled individual does not plead for a job—they create opportunities for themselves and others. In our society, professions such as Kandur (bread maker), Pujj (butcher), and Goor (milk seller) have been part of our culture for generations. Sadly, these vital trades are often undervalued—not because they lack importance, but due to stigma and lack of modernization.
Imagine a butcher running a spotless, modern shop, dressed professionally, using hygienic tools, and offering friendly service. This level of professionalism would inspire customer trust and restore pride in the profession.
The same applies to our Kandurs and other small business owners—cleaner workspaces and better service could attract unemployed youth and turn them into proud business owners.
The Dangers of Adulteration and Price Gouging
Another growing threat to consumer trust is the sale of adulterated goods and price exploitation, especially during festivals. These unethical practices destroy community trust and harm honest traders. Strict enforcement of laws and public awareness are essential to eradicate such behaviour.
Every Profession Has Dignity
It’s time to end the glorification of only white-collar jobs. Whether one is a doctor, teacher, bureaucrat, or baker—dignity lies in honest work and service to the community. Small businesses must be uplifted through innovation, hygiene, and customer care. These values will bring both pride and prosperity.
Are Hoteliers Losing Credibility?
Not all hoteliers should be judged by the same incidents. Many young entrepreneurs in Kashmir are working hard to deliver excellence in hospitality—offering fresh, hygienic food, modern ambiance, and dependable service. The rise of barbeque outlets run by educated youth is proof that food businesses can be both profitable and respectable.
I often tell these young business owners: “You are your own boss. You are independent. You run a business with dignity. Serve well, live well, and support your family proudly.”
A Call to Action
Rotten meat incidents must not be ignored. As responsible citizens, we must demand cleanliness and professionalism from bakers, butchers, milk vendors, and all food handlers. Refuse to buy from those who neglect hygiene, and speak up—politely but firmly:
“Please keep your shop clean. Your service affects both our health and your future.”
This is how we can build a Kashmir where every lane echoes with professionalism, where youth are job creators, and where dignity exists in every trade.
The Health Crisis among Youth
Over the last five years, heart-related problems have risen alarmingly in Kashmir, with hundreds of young people losing their lives to cardiac arrests. Gastrointestinal diseases are also on the rise, with stomach aches becoming disturbingly common. These issues trigger a chain reaction—leading to conditions like IBS, skin disorders, hair loss, weakness, and anxiety.
One of the major causes? Unhygienic and rotten meat being sold to the public.
Final Message
Sell healthy. Live healthy.
Be a proud contributor to nation-building.
