MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a recent development, the Assistant Commissioner Rular Muzaffarabad accompanied by a police contingent conducted a surprise visit to several local markets including Nalochhi, Gojra, Tali Mandi, and Chehla Bazaars.
The Assistant Commissioner visited the markets to ensure shopkeepers were following the guidelines issued by the government during the holy month of Ramadan.
During his visit, he arrested nine shopkeepers accused of extortion. “No one will be allowed to extort or encroach” in the region, the Assistant Commissioner stated.
Additionally, the AC imposed heavy fines on several shopkeepers and seized some carts that were placed randomly on roads. These strict measures by the AC aim to eliminate extortion and encroachment in the markets.
In another development, the team of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Food Authority conducted rigorous food inspections throughout the region.
Under the supervision of Deputy Director Sardar Muhammad Saqib and on the orders of Secretary Food Authority Abdul Hameed Kiani, food inspection was done in various locations including hotels and fast food points to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
A special mobile food lab tested the oil used in food preparation, as well as the basin (Chickpea Flour) and ketchup used in different fried items.
Due to the increase in the Total Polar Compounds (TCP) value of oil and ghee, the AJK Food Authority discarded several food items on the spot for being poor quality.
Additionally, warning notices have been issued to food business operators who failed to follow Health Principles (SOPs), with instructions given for improvement.
The AJK Food Authority has also warned that strict legal action would be taken against any food business operators who don’t follow the food safety rules.
