The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Friday called off its strike after the Punjab government reportedly directed the police not to stop livestock vehicles at checkpoints. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The strike, which had continued for several days, disrupted the transportation of sheep from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir and raised concerns over a possible shortage of mutton in Kashmir, especially during the ongoing wedding season.
KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said the association had been informed that the Punjab government had instructed the Punjab Police to ensure the smooth movement of livestock vehicles. He added that livestock markets (mandis) had also been asked to resume the supply of animals.
“The strike has been called off. We have been informed that the Punjab Police has been directed not to stop our vehicles at checkpoints. The livestock mandis have also been asked to resume supply,” Mehraj-ud-Din said.
However, he said the association is still waiting for formal written orders before reviewing the situation on the ground.
“We are now waiting for the official orders. After that, we will monitor the situation and see whether the directions are implemented properly,” he added.
Mehraj-ud-Din expressed hope that the transportation of livestock from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir would return to normal in the coming days.
The issue had drawn the attention of both state governments after the disruption threatened mutton supplies across Kashmir. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had taken up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, describing the action against J&K livestock traders as “unjustified”.
With the strike now withdrawn, traders expect the supply of livestock and mutton to improve, reducing concerns of shortages across the Valley.
