Address mutton crisis

The warning issued by the Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association about a possible fresh hike in mutton prices has once again brought to the surface a recurring and deeply troubling issue. For quite some time, traders transporting livestock from outside the Union Territory, particularly through Punjab, have complained of extortion, unnecessary detentions and harassment at various checkpoints. These disruptions not only inflate transportation costs but also ultimately burden consumers in Kashmir, where mutton remains a key dietary staple. The Jammu and Kashmir government’s assurance of swift action and its decision to convene a joint high-level committee with Punjab authorities after December 2 is a welcome step. However, the recurring nature of this crisis raises a valid question: why do such issues resurface every few months despite repeated interventions? Temporary fixes or short-term coordination cannot address what is essentially a systemic problem rooted in unchecked officials, weak monitoring and lack of accountability across state borders. What Kashmir needs is a durable, structured mechanism to ensure unhindered movement of livestock. Regular audits of checkpoints, digital verification systems, strict action against erring personnel and a dedicated grievance portal for transporters could significantly reduce space for exploitation. A clear, stable supply chain is essential not just for price stability but also for protecting the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the mutton trade. Equally crucial is transparency in pricing within the UT. While external factors affect costs, unreasonable price escalations at the retail level must also be checked through strict enforcement of government-notified rates. The upcoming meeting with Punjab authorities must be more than a ceremonial exercise. This is an opportunity to build a long-term framework that eliminates harassment, stabilises prices and ensures fairness across the value chain. Kashmir’s consumers and traders deserve predictability, not another cycle of crisis and reassurance.