Mutton dealers suspend livestock imports to J&K over Punjab ‘tax’ row

Srinagar, Jun 22: The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Monday announced suspension of fresh livestock imports into Jammu and Kashmir and advised the public to reconsider marriage and other event 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.
Addressing a press conference here, KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din, said traders across major livestock markets supplying Kashmir have decided not to dispatch any fresh livestock-laden vehicles to Jammu and Kashmir until their concerns are addressed.
He said the decision could impact mutton availability during the upcoming marriage season, engagement ceremonies and Nazar-o-Niyaz gatherings if the issue remains unresolved.
“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,” Mehraj-ud-Din said.
The association said existing stocks available in the Valley may be sufficient for the next few days, and efforts would be made to ensure availability during Muharram, but warned that a prolonged halt in livestock imports could 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.
He said the association has reached out to political leaders and other stakeholders in recent days to seek intervention, but maintained that traders would continue the suspension of fresh imports 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)