Our Reporter
Dimapur, march (EMN): The vice president of GBs’ Union Dimapur (GBUD), Kholie Kapfo, opined that “majority of the butchers and suppliers in the town have motive only to earn money” and do not care about the public health, and alleged that even sick or diseased meats are sold.
He said this during an awareness programme on importance of meat inspection, modernisation of meat shops and safer environment for butchers, organised by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) at IMC Hall, Dimapur, on Thursday.
Claiming lack of honesty among many business people, Kapfo called upon the citizens and the leaders to come together to ensure public safety.
The DMC administrator, Albert Ezung, has asked the citizens to complain to the concerned authorities if any butcher is found selling meat above the DMC prescribed rate or other anomalies so that they could take immediate action. He said action could be taken only if they are provided information specifically about a particular shop or person.
He pointed out that many citizens only complain on social media or other platforms instead of complaining to the concerned authority.
Addressing the butchers and suppliers, he said, “We all have different professions and every profession is important and we are all interdependent.” Describing butchers as service providers, he called upon them to ponder on what kind of service they provide to the customers.
As most Nagas are non-vegetarians, Ezung advised the butchers to be aware of where the livestock are imported.
“We have to make sure that only healthy and safe meats are sold, so that it will not affect the life of the consumers,” he added.
Ezung further asked the public and the leaders to be aware within their own jurisdiction and ensure that quality meats are sold for the betterment of everyone. He added that unauthorised meat sellers operating at unhygienic places should stop.
As most of the meat comes from outside the state, the chief veterinary officer, Kelesiekho, cautioned that if diseased animals are brought into the state it would spread to many households and affect the public economy and health. He advised the suppliers to obtain a health certificate from the source state government.
DUCCF president, Tsenthungo Nyamo, urged the leaders to be responsible stating that the government would give the orders but the implementation should be their duty and responsibilities.