Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said she had spoken to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding reports of Kashmir mutton dealers being stopped at Madhopur and the Shambhu border in Punjab. The intervention comes after the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) announced the suspension of fresh livestock imports into Jammu and Kashmir, advising the public to reconsider event schedules in the coming weeks.
Mehbooba Mufti's intervention
In a post on X, Mufti stated: “Spoke with Punjab CM @BhagwantMann ji about Kashmir mutton dealers reportedly being stopped and harassed by contractors in the name of the Cattle Fair Act at Madhopur, Punjab, and the Shambhu border.” She added that Mann was “kind enough to assure me of prompt action.” The move follows growing discontent among livestock transporters who claim they are being subjected to excessive collections and detention at various checkpoints in Punjab.
Allegations of harassment and excessive fees
KMDA general secretary Mehraj-ud-Din alleged that livestock transporters are being forced to pay between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 per vehicle at checkpoints. He further claimed that vehicles carrying livestock are being detained for several hours, causing significant financial losses to traders. The harassment is reportedly carried out by contractors under the pretext of the Cattle Fair Act, which governs the movement of livestock during fairs and markets.
Impact on Kashmir's meat supply
The suspension of livestock imports has raised concerns about potential shortages of mutton in the Kashmir Valley. The KMDA has urged the public to postpone weddings and other events that require large quantities of meat. The association warned that if the situation persists, the price of mutton could spike, affecting consumers and businesses alike. The development underscores the reliance of Kashmir's meat industry on livestock sourced from Punjab and other states.
Punjab government's response
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured Mehbooba Mufti of prompt action. However, no official statement has been released by the Punjab government regarding the specific allegations. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between state authorities and traders over the enforcement of livestock movement regulations. The Cattle Fair Act, which is often cited by contractors, has been a point of contention, with traders alleging that it is being misused to extract bribes.
Broader implications for trade
The standoff between Kashmir livestock traders and Punjab authorities could have broader implications for inter-state trade. Kashmir relies heavily on livestock imports from Punjab to meet its meat demand, and any disruption in supply chains can have immediate economic repercussions. The KMDA has called for a review of the checkpoints and the implementation of the Cattle Fair Act to prevent harassment. Meanwhile, the PDP president's intervention is seen as an attempt to resolve the issue through dialogue.
