Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 20: The Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association on Thursday sounded alarm again over the high costs and harassment imposed on livestock trucks at Punjab checkpoints, warning of a “mutton price hike” in the Valley if the issue is not resolved by November 27.
Mehraj-ud-Din Ganai, the Association’s General Secretary, said dealers face alleged excess charges of over Rs 10,000 per truck, a continuation of previously reported “extortion” practices.
He added that truckers have been forced to pay between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 at the Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints.
Earlier this year, the Association even suspended the import of live animals from outside states in protest, citing repeated harassment and bribes.
As reported at the time, more than 50 sheep died during one such incident due to delays and heat stress.
Adding to concerns, Kashmir dealers have also accused “goons” in Punjab of physically assaulting drivers and conductors when they refuse to pay these illegal “taxes” under the guise of the Punjab Cattle Fair Act.
Mehraj warned that if the government fails to deliver on its promise to resolve the issue by the end of this month, the resulting losses may force dealers to hike mutton rates in Kashmir and they will not take responsibility for the fallout.
Sources within the association also said that if the issue is not resolved promptly, mutton prices could reach Rs 800 per kg and the situation could worsen further.
