Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), taking serious note of health hazards, has seized the trade license of Shop No. A1/215, New Market, owned by one Rajiv Uddin, after rotten chicken was found stored in a deep freezer inside its godown. The shop has been ordered to remain closed until completion of investigation/enquiry.
In a press note, DMC chief executive officer Thungchanbemo Tungoe informed that the matter came to light during an inspection carried out by staff of the Veterinary, Food Safety and Public Health branch, led by councillors Jonathan Yepthomi and Nikali Sumi, on Wednesday.
DMC cautioned all traders and business establishments to strictly adhere to hygiene and food safety standards, warning that any violation would invite immediate and stringent action. DMC also reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe and hygienic food for citizens of Dimapur.
CPO, WSH condemn
Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) and Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) have expressed shock over the seizure of a bulk stock of rotten chicken at a poultry godown in New Market, Dimapur by municipal authorities.
In a joint condemnation, CPO and WSH said the incident was not an isolated case but part of a recurring malpractice that appeared to be “an organised racket.”
The two bodies said that in a similar instance earlier, rotten poultry stock was also discovered, but the matter ended without any action against the culprits. CPO said WSH said such lack of accountability emboldened unscrupulous traders to continue endangering innocent consumers. They said that sale or storage of rotten chicken for potential circulation posed a grave threat to public health. CPO and WSH said families and individuals could 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,” they said.
They also appreciated Ward-19 councillor Kili N. Sumi and her team for their vigilance and timely inspection, which “exposed this dangerous malpractice.”
However, CPO and WSH said that mere seizure and sealing of godowns would not suffice.
They demanded stringent and exemplary action, including immediate cancellation of trade licences of those involved.
Further, the two bodies demanded that such individuals must be permanently barred from conducting business within Dimapur in particular, and Nagaland in general. They maintained that firm and decisive measures would restore public confidence and deter such criminal acts.
Meanwhile, CPO and WSH have urged the law enforcement agency, district administration and the Dimapur Municipal Council to swiftly act with utmost seriousness to protect the health and rights of the people.