The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Drug Control Department along with the Sales Tax Department on Saturday seized a consignment of banned Tramadol drugs at Srinagar International Airport.

As per the news agency CNS, a statement in this regard reads, "The team from the Drug Control Department, under the direct supervision of Irfana Ahmad, Joint Drugs Controller and Irshad Assad Jan, Sales Tax Officer with the Central Enforcement (Airport Wing) and his team today seized 1080 Tramadol tablets after acting on an information received from Sales Tax Officer with the Central Enforcement (Airport Wing) department, Cargo Building."

It said that Tramadol drugs, prescription for opioid pain medication, are coming through unregulated channels and could be dangerous if misused by drug addicts.

"The Drug Control Department is investigating the source and intended destination of this shipment," the statement said, adding, "This seizure is part of the department's ongoing effort to combat the illegal sale and distribution of prescription drugs. In the past, the department in collaboration with the Sales Tax Dept. at Airport Srinagar successfully seized similar consignments and brought those responsible to books (sic)."

The Drug Control Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public by preventing the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, it added.

SRINAGAR — Amid the controversy, the authorities on Saturday said that watermelons are safe for consumption.

Addressing a press conference, Deputy Commissioner, J&K Drug & Food Control Organisation, Shagufta Jalal, as per the news agency KNO said that they had taken samples from all the districts of the Kashmir valley after apprehensions were raised about the sale of watermelons.

She said that the test results that came today have shown that watermelons are safe for consumption.

"Nothing adverse has come in the test reports and we appeal to the people not to pay heed to rumours," Jalal said, adding that watermelon is not a seasonal fruit.

About action against those who have spread the rumours, Jalal said the matter has been taken up with the higher-ups.

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Valley has witnessed a 50% decrease in watermelon sales following concerns raised on social media regarding the safety of consuming artificially ripened watermelons.

Dr Wajahat, a clinical oncologist at a premier hospital, recently cautioned against consuming artificially ripened watermelons during the off-season, citing potential cancer risks.

"This Ramzan, say NO to artificially ripened watermelons. Protect yourself from harmful chemicals and potential chemotherapy," Dr Wajahat posted on a social media site X on March 8, which garnered support from several other doctors.

Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a vendor, expressed concern over economic losses incurred since the beginning of Ramadan. He said that despite bringing watermelons to the market, nobody is buying them due to claims made by doctors. Bhat urged the government to investigate the matter to help vendors like him avoid further economic losses.

Bashir Ahmad Bashir, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, while speaking with the news agency KNO, said there has been a 50% drop in watermelon sales in the valley due to the current situation. "Previously, the valley used to receive 12 trucks of watermelons daily, but now there has been a 50% decrease in sales,” he said.

Bashir said the Food Safety Department has taken samples of watermelons, and he hopes for clarity soon. “Health is a priority, but economic losses are also concerning. The government should share the test samples as soon as possible,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety in Kashmir, Shagufta Jalal, said the department has collected hundreds of samples from various districts of the valley for testing. “The test reports will be available tomorrow,” she said.

Once the report is available, it will be shared with the public to address any concerns, Shagufta said, adding that there have been no adverse findings so far in the surveillance sampling.

KELLER — Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, a market checking team led by Tehsildar Keller, Mr. Latafat, alongside Assistant Commissioner from the Food Safety Department, Mrs. Nighat, and Food Safety Officer Keller, Shafiq Ur Rehman, conducted rigorous inspections across various parts of the Keller area of southern Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday.

The initiative aimed to verify the adherence of essential commodities to government-approved rates and quality standards, ensuring an ample supply of consumables in the market.

Throughout the day, the market checking team, consisting of officials from the Police, FCS&CA, and Food Safety Department, meticulously examined establishments in different markets of Keller, including the bus stand market, focusing on businesses such as bakeries, confectioneries, groceries, vegetable and fruit vendors, and meat shops.

Inspectors scrutinized the hygiene conditions and assessed factors such as the Date of Manufacture and Use-by Date of products.

All traders, particularly those dealing in meat, vegetables, and fruits, were cautioned to maintain product quality. Shopkeepers were also reminded to avoid hoarding and overcharging customers.

In the course of the inspections, fines totalling Rs. 3500 were levied on non-compliant traders, and a significant quantity of spoiled vegetables and fruits were promptly discarded.

Tehsildar Keller emphasized the continuation of such drives to ensure fair pricing and availability of essential goods, discouraging black marketing practices. He instructed officials to clear footpaths and main roads of any encroachments to facilitate smooth movement.

Engaging with shopkeepers, Food Safety Officer Keller stressed the importance of prominently displaying rate lists and adhering to approved rates and quality standards. Non-compliance, he warned, would result in strict legal action.

SRINAGAR — The Food Safety Department of Kashmir on Thursday rebuked the claims as baseless about the premature ripening of watermelons with the use of chemicals and assured that the department remains committed to maintaining stringent food safety standards.

Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety Department, Shugufta Jalal, while exclusively speaking with the news agency KNS said that the experts, who specialise in food technology, have conducted rigorous tests across the region and that the claims of premature ripening are baseless.

She said that the tests include both surveillance and in-depth analysis using advanced equipment, and the results have confirmed that the watermelons are safe for consumption.

She said that the watermelons are grown throughout the year in various parts of India due to the country’s diverse climatic conditions which makes the fruit available in all seasons, contrary to the claims that it is not a seasonal fruit.

Shagufta said that the department has been proactive with teams deployed and mobile testing vans stationed in key areas across Kashmir to conduct on-the-spot testing. She criticized the oncologist for not consulting with the authorities before making public statements as such remarks have caused undue distress among the population.

“The department remains committed to maintaining stringent food safety standards and preventing misinformation from causing panic. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are dedicated to communicating transparently with the public to uphold trust and ensure the health and safety of all consumers,” she said.

The controversy erupted after a social media post by a doctor went viral, suggesting that watermelons available in the market were artificially ripened using chemicals.

The claim raised alarm among consumers, as watermelons are a staple fruit during Ramadan, often consumed during Iftar.

BANDIPORA — In a concerted effort to tackle illegal drug sales and ensure compliance with regulations, authorities in Bandipora seized eight medical shops found violating various rules, including selling drugs without proper prescriptions.

According to an official statement provided to a Srinagar-based news gathering agency, a surprise inspection was conducted by a team led by drug inspector Bandipora, Bilal Ahmad. The team, accompanied by officials from the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sumbal and the Station House Officer (SHO) Sumbal, identified and seized eight shops in the market area operating without adhering to legal requirements.

The official emphasized that such enforcement actions are crucial in curbing the illicit sale of drugs without prescriptions, which can potentially be abused by drug users. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to maintain public health and safety.

The officer also indicated that similar drives would continue in the near future as part of sustained efforts to regulate the pharmaceutical sector and prevent the unauthorized distribution of drugs.