Srinagar, June 29: As mutton disappears from retail counters across the Kashmir Valley following an indefinite strike by wholesale traders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, seeking intervention to ensure safe passage for livestock-laden trucks transiting through the state.
The All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union has downed shutters, alleging that contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs are stopping trucks carrying livestock at Madhopur in Punjab and the Shambhu border, demanding illegal payments even when vehicles possess valid permits and complete documentation.
In his letter to Mann, a copy of which is with Kashmir Convener, CM Omar Abdullah said the union had flagged “serious difficulties” faced by local transporters, which had choked the supply chain into the Valley. He pointed out that transporters were being forced to make “substantial payments per vehicle” without any legal basis.
Citing an internal report by his government’s Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the Chief Minister noted that livestock movement was exempt from GST and that such collections amounted to an additional, unjustified levy. The committee further observed that the practice was inflating meat prices, ultimately hitting the common consumer in Kashmir.
“I would request your kind intervention in having the matter examined and in ensuring the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab,” ‘CM Omar wrote.
He also warned that the upcoming tendering process for cattle fairs could institutionalise these practices unless safeguards were put in place, leading to recurring financial losses for traders and transporters. Noting the long-standing ties of friendship and economic interdependence between the two states, he said such practices, if found to be true, ran contrary to the cooperative spirit that should govern inter-state relations.
With the strike showing no signs of immediate resolution, mutton has virtually vanished from retail counters across Srinagar and other districts. Traders have made it clear they will not relent until safe passage through Punjab is guaranteed, leaving the Valley staring at a prolonged shortage of its most sought-after meat.
The Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government now awaits Mann’s response as the Valley braces for a lean season ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, when meat consumption traditionally spikes.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti had last week also claimed to have spoken with Mann regarding the issue. “He was kind enough to assure me of prompt action,” she said in a social media post.
Comments are closed.