Mutton dealers urge J&K Govt to resolve transit issues with Punjab

Srinagar, July 26: A delegation from the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers' Union on Friday called on Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, at the Raabita Office in Srinagar, seeking government intervention to address the growing hurdles in livestock transportation into the Valley.

The Union expressed concern over what they described as repeated harassment and disruptions faced by livestock carriers while transiting through Punjab. According to the delegation, trucks carrying livestock are often stopped without clear justification, leading to delays, financial losses, and, in some cases, the death of animals due to prolonged halts and extreme heat.

“These issues are directly impacting the availability and pricing of mutton in Kashmir. If the problem persists, the supply chain could collapse,” a union member said after the meeting.

The delegation urged the J&K Government to take up the matter with the Punjab authorities and ensure that standard transit protocols are enforced uniformly, without unnecessary obstruction.

Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed promptly. “The matter will be taken up with the Punjab Government on priority. The government is committed to ensuring that traders do not suffer and that essential supplies reach the people without disruption,” he said.

The issue of transit bottlenecks has been a recurring grievance for livestock traders in Kashmir, particularly during peak consumption months. While local demand remains high, delays in supply often result in price fluctuations and public dissatisfaction. The mutton dealers have warned that without a resolution, they may be forced to suspend livestock imports altogether—a move that could trigger acute shortages in the market.