Srinagar, Aug 28 : The recent rotten meat scandal in Jammu & Kashmir has cast a long shadow over the valley’s vibrant street food culture, forcing evening markets to go quiet and leaving vendors struggling to survive.
From Srinagar to Sopore, stalls that once bustled with customers craving traditional delicacies like rista and tujji now stand largely deserted, a scene observed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), during an evening visit.
In Sopore, the usually lively Chankhan Market, considered a hub of street food and famous for staying open late into the night, wears a deserted look. At Main Chowk too, where dozens of food carts once competed for space and customers, only a handful of vendors are seen waiting anxiously for buyers.
“I managed to sell just four seekh tujji in four hours,” said a well-known cart vendor in Sopore. “We don’t know what our fault is. A few people made mistakes; now everyone is paying the price.”
The scandal, which broke earlier this month after Food Safety Department raids led to the seizure of large quantities of rotten and unfit-for-consumption meat, has triggered widespread mistrust among consumers.
Authorities vowed strict action against those involved, but for many small vendors, the damage is already done.
“We are on the verge of shutting down or shifting our businesses,” said another vendor in Chankhan. “People are too scared to eat from outside now. Trust, once broken, takes years to return”.
“We don’t know which outlet is safe anymore,” said Faisal War, a young foodie from Sopore. “Until the government gives clear assurance and strict checks are seen on the ground, we will avoid eating meat outside.”
Meanwhile, officials said the crackdown was essential to protect public health and restore confidence.
Smita Sethi, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, earlier assured that strict enforcement will continue to safeguard consumers across Jammu and Kashmir, with strict compliance with FSSAI rules for the sale of frozen meat and chicken products.
Vendors now hope that stricter checks and government assurances will gradually bring their customers back. “Street food is our culture, our livelihood,” said Omar, a young vendor. “We just hope people don’t give up on us forever.”.
