Dimapur Municipal Council shuts poultry shop over rotten chicken

DIMAPUR — Rotten chicken stock was uncovered at a poultry godown in New Market, Dimapur, during a surprise inspection carried out on August 27 by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) staff along with the Veterinary, Food Safety and Public Health Branch, led by councillors Jonathan Yepthomi and Nikali Sumi Chophi.

According to a press release issued by DMC, rotten chicken was found stored in a deep freezer inside the godown of Shop No. A1/215, New Market, belonging to one Rajiv Uddin.

It has been informed that considering the grave risk to public health, the trade licence of the defaulter has been seized, and the shop has been ordered to remain closed until the proper investigation/enquiry by the DMC.

The DMC further warned all traders and business establishments to strictly maintain hygiene and food safety standards. Any violation will invite immediate and stringent action under the relevant provisions of law.

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CPO, WSH demand cancellation of licences

Meanwhile, the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) and Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) have jointly condemned the incident, describing it as part of a recurring malpractice that appears to be an organised racket.

In a joint statement, the organisations alleged that this is not an isolated case but part of a recurring malpractice that seems to be an organised racket.

They recalled that in a similar instance earlier, rotten poultry stock was also discovered, yet, they claimed, the matter ended without transparency on the outcome or any action against the culprits. They noted that such a lack of accountability emboldens unscrupulous traders to continue endangering innocent consumers.

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“The sale or storage of rotten chicken for potential circulation poses a grave threat to public health. Families and individuals may already have been unknowingly exposed to contaminated food, risking serious illnesses and long-term consequences. This is a direct assault on the well-being of the people of Dimapur and Nagaland at large,” the statement read.

While lauding the authorities, they maintained that mere seizure and sealing of godowns will not suffice and demanded stringent and exemplary action, including immediate cancellation of trade licences of those involved.

Furthermore, they said such individuals must be permanently barred from conducting business within Dimapur in particular and Nagaland in general, noting that only firm and decisive measures will restore public confidence and deter such criminal acts.

The CPO and WSH urged the law enforcement agency, district administration, and the Dimapur Municipal Council to act swiftly, transparently and with utmost seriousness to protect the health and rights of the people.