The over-a-week-long deadlock over the supply of livestock to Kashmir ended on Friday after the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) called off its strike following the Punjab government’s intervention.
The association said it decided to withdraw the strike after receiving assurances from the Punjab government, paving the way for the resumption of livestock imports to the Valley.
Welcoming the development, National Conference state spokesman Imran Dar credited Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for resolving the crisis through his intervention.
“Deadlock ended! Kudos to HCM @OmarAbdullahsb for his swift intervention in resolving the Mutton crisis with Punjab. Finally, relief for the people during the wedding season. Omar sbs efforts ensured resumption of livestock supply to Kashmir, bringing much-needed relief,” Imran posted on X.
The disruption began after wholesale mutton dealers suspended imports of livestock from Rajasthan, Delhi and other states, alleging that trucks carrying animals through Punjab were being subjected to an “illegal” levy. The strike also hit mutton sales across Kashmir, causing concern among families preparing for weddings.
Describing the levy on livestock-laden vehicles transiting through Punjab as “unjust”, Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking immediate intervention to ensure the smooth movement of livestock transport vehicles.
In a letter to Mann on June 23, Abdullah urged the Punjab government to stop the unauthorised collection of fees from transporters carrying valid permits and documents.
Citing the findings of an internal committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Abdullah said transporters were allegedly being forced to pay substantial amounts without any legal sanction.
He noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and warned that the continued imposition of such charges was increasing transportation costs, pushing up meat prices and burdening consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
