Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 1: The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association on Monday expressed concern over the disrupted supply of mutton in the Valley following frequent closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, warning of a severe shortage in the coming days.
Mehraj-ud-din Ganaie, General Secretary of the Association said that the highway had remained shut for nearly a week and was only partially restored for traffic, badly affecting livestock movement.
“These months, late August, September and October, are the peak marriage season in Kashmir. Many vehicles failed to reach on time and the Valley may face an acute shortage of mutton if the situation continues,” Mehraj said.
He said dealers have been managing supplies “partially” but the disruption means people could face sudden problems at any time. “Authorities allow livestock vehicles for one hour, and then change it to two hours. There is total mismanagement and sometimes trucks are stopped at Poonch, Nowshera and other places,” he alleged.
Mehraj also urged the government to allow unhindered passage of fruit-laden and livestock trucks, terming them essential supplies. “On normal days in September, nearly 50–70 livestock vehicles enter the Valley daily. With Eid-e-Milad (Mehraj-un-Nabi SAW) also approaching, authorities must consider using the Mughal Road as an alternative route,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Valley’s only road link, was partially reopened yesterday evening after remaining closed for six consecutive days. Authorities said stranded vehicles were being cleared in a phased manner.
