Srinagar- The Coordination Committee of Mutton Dealers Association on Monday announced an indefinite strike against the alleged imposition of hefty charges on livestock-carrying vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir through Punjab, warning that the move could disrupt mutton supplies across the Union Territory within days.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, committee members including Mehraj Din Ganie, Khursheed Ahmad, Adil Ahmad and Khair Mohammad said that no livestock-carrying vehicle would enter or leave mutton mandis until the issue is resolved.
The committee also appealed to marriage function organisers and the general public to make necessary adjustments in view of the strike.
“We request people, especially those planning marriage functions and other events, to adjust their arrangements accordingly as the ongoing issue may affect the availability of mutton,” the committee members said.
They warned that the existing stock of mutton in Jammu and Kashmir would last only two to four days.
“The available stock can sustain the market for only two to four days. If the issue is not resolved immediately, consumers may face shortages and a further increase in prices,” they said.
The traders alleged that livestock-carrying vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir via Punjab are being charged between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 at the Simbu and Madhopur checkpoints.
“These charges are unfair and unjustified. Mutton traders from Jammu and Kashmir do not procure livestock from Punjab. We purchase animals from states such as Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, yet our vehicles are being subjected to hefty levies,” the committee said.
Expressing concern over what they termed an “illegal tax” being collected at Madhopur in Punjab, the traders said the levy was causing severe hardships for mutton dealers and affecting the smooth movement of livestock into Jammu and Kashmir.
“The imposition of such charges is adding to the financial burden on traders and ultimately contributing to the rise in mutton prices. This is directly impacting ordinary consumers across Jammu and Kashmir,” they said.
The committee members demanded immediate intervention from both the Punjab Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to resolve the issue.
“We urge the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and ensure relief for traders at the earliest,” they said.
The traders also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and raise the matter with the concerned authorities to ensure that the alleged charges are withdrawn.
Reiterating their stand, the Coordination Committee made a unanimous appeal for the protection of traders’ interests and the removal of hurdles affecting the livestock and mutton trade in Jammu and Kashmir.
The committee warned that the strike would continue until the issue is resolved and the alleged levy at the Punjab checkpoints is removed.
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