Srinagar, July 24, : In a significant move likely to impact meat supply across Kashmir, mutton dealers have unanimously decided to suspend the transportation of live animals from outside states, citing persistent extortion by contractors in Punjab as the main reason behind the decision.
The extortion, reportedly taking place at Shambu Border and Madhavpur, involves illegal payments being forcibly extracted from truckers ferrying livestock into Jammu and Kashmir. The dealers say these unauthorized charges have caused mounting financial losses, making the trade unsustainable.
Mehrajuddin Ganai, General Secretary of the Mutton Dealers Association, confirmed to the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the decision to halt the supply was taken collectively after consultations with key stakeholders. “We have already spoken to our suppliers in Rajasthan, Sikar, Flodi, Delhi, and Ambala. They have been apprised of the situation. The move is not impulsive; it is a response to a long-standing issue that remains unaddressed,” Ganai said.
He stated that the ball is now in the government’s court. “It is now up to the administration to take note and act. We cannot continue our operations under such unlawful and hostile conditions,” he added.
This suspension is expected to disrupt the meat supply chain in Kashmir, which heavily relies on livestock imports from northern Indian states. [KNT]
