The people of Jammu and Kashmir have got to deal with an unexpected emergency as an essential commodity is about to face shortage. This could upheave upcoming plans as wedding season is about to commence.
The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Monday announced the suspension of import of livestock into Jammu and Kashmir and advised the public to reconsider marriage and other events schedules in the coming weeks. It declared that no vehicle carrying livestock would be loaded for the Valley until the government resolves long-pending transportation issues faced by traders in Punjab.
KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said until their concerns are addressed, traders across major livestock markets have decided not to dispatch any fresh livestock-laden vehicles to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said if the issue remains unresolved, the decision could impact mutton availability during the upcoming marriage season, engagement ceremonies and Nazar-o-Niyaz gatherings.
Mehraj-ud-Din said, “We appeal to people who have fixed marriage dates or planned major functions after Muharram to take the situation into account and make necessary adjustments. Traders will not be in a position to guarantee supplies if fresh livestock movement remains suspended,”.
The association said that the existing stocks are sufficient for the coming few days and assured that efforts would be made to ensure availability during Muharram, but warned that the prolonged halt would affect supplies thereafter.
“We usually have stock availability for two to three days. We will try to manage supplies during Muharram, but if fresh vehicles do not arrive, the situation after that could become difficult,” he said.
Mehraj-ud-Din further alleged that livestock transporters continue to face harassment, prolonged stoppages and excessive collections at checkpoints in Punjab, increasing transportation costs and causing losses to traders.
He said transporters are being forced to pay between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 per vehicle, while livestock carriers are allegedly detained for several hours during transit.
“When vehicles carrying livestock are stopped for two to four hours in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, livestock mortality increases and traders suffer heavy losses. We are being forced to bear additional costs despite repeated requests for intervention,” he said.
The KMDA accused the Jammu and Kashmir administration of failing to secure a resolution despite repeated representations over the past year.
“We are not seeking any relief or favour. We are seeking justice. We have approached every authority, travelled to Punjab several times and raised the issue repeatedly, but no concrete solution has emerged so far,” Mehraj-ud-Din said.
The association has reached out to political leaders and other stakeholders in recent days for intervention, but maintained that the suspension of fresh imports would continue until effective action is taken.
Mehraj-ud-Din further said that no fresh livestock vehicle will be loaded for Jammu and Kashmir from any market until the government takes up the matter with Punjab authorities and ensures smooth transportation of animals into the Valley. (KNO)
Mehbooba intervenes
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said she spoke with Bhagwant Mann regarding reports that Kashmir-based mutton dealers were being harassed by contractors at Madhopur and the Shambhu border in the name of the Cattle Fair Act.
In a post on X, Mufti said she raised the issue with the Punjab chief minister and sought intervention to address the concerns of the traders.
“Spoke with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann ji about Kashmir mutton dealers reportedly being stopped and harassed by contractors in the name of the Cattle Fair Act at Madhopur, Punjab and Shambhu border. He was kind enough to assure me of prompt action,” she said.
