The Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association on Thursday raised alarms over high costs and alleged harassment at Punjab checkpoints, warning of a “mutton price hike” in the Valley if the issue is not resolved by November 27.
Mehraj-ud-Din Ganai, the Association’s General Secretary, told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that dealers face excess charges of over Rs 10,000 per truck at Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints, continuing earlier “extortion” practices. Truckers are reportedly forced to pay between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per trip.
Earlier this year, the Association had suspended imports of live animals from other states to protest repeated harassment and bribes, incidents that previously resulted in the deaths of over 50 sheep due to delays and heat stress.
Kashmir dealers also allege physical assaults on drivers and conductors by local goons when they refuse to pay these “illegal taxes” under the Punjab Cattle Fair Act.
Ganai warned that if the government fails to resolve the issue by month-end, mutton prices in Kashmir could rise to Rs 800 per kg, and the Association will not take responsibility for the resulting fallout. (Agencies)
