Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 1: The mutton dealers in Kashmir called off their strike on Friday after the Punjab Government appointed Nodal Officers across districts to address long-standing grievances of livestock traders, ensuring smoother cattle trade.
The Punjab Government, awarded a Rs: 92.56 crore contract to AL Baber Marketing private limited for organizing cattle fairs for 2025–26 and appointed Nodal Officers at district levels, particularly in border areas to oversee livestock movement and resolve disputes over payments and documentation.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Department, said that these officers will verify transport documents, ensure legal compliance and act swiftly on complaints. “Names and contact details will be publicly displayed at all checkpoints for transparency,” the department said,
Welcoming the move, Mehraj-ud-din Ganaie, General Secretary of the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association, said the association is satisfied with the steps taken and has resumed operations at all cattle markets. “We are thankful to both the Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir Governments. The Minister Food Civil Supplies, the Commissioner Secretary, Director Food and Civil Supplies, and others remained constantly in touch and supported us throughout,” Ganaie said.
He added that despite the strike, the association ensured that meat supply within the Valley, especially for weddings and essential needs, was not affected. “We took care not to let people suffer. Even during the strike, we managed the supply of mutton for marriage functions and other urgent requirements in Kashmir,” he said.
Earlier, the J&K Government had constituted a three-member official team to visit Punjab and hold dialogue with concerned authorities to resolve the issue of overcharging and delays in livestock movement. The team was led by officers from the Legal Metrology and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Departments.
Officers have been directed to submit a detailed report to the Administrative Department to determine further action if required.
Meanwhile, the swift coordination between both governments has now restored normal meat supply in the Valley, much to the relief of traders and consumers.
