Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Friday called off its ongoing strike after the Punjab government reportedly intervened and directed the police not to stop livestock vehicles at checkpoints.
KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said the association had been informed that the Punjab government had instructed the police to facilitate the smooth movement of livestock vehicles. He added that livestock mandis had also been asked to resume supply.
“The strike has been called off. We have been told that the Punjab Police has been directed not to stop our vehicles at checkpoints. The livestock mandis have also been asked to resume supply,” he said.
However, Mehraj-ud-Din said the association was awaiting formal written orders before reviewing the situation on the ground.
“We are now waiting for the formal orders. After that, we will assess how things move on the ground and whether the directions are implemented in letter and spirit,” he added.
Expressing optimism, he said the transportation of livestock to Jammu and Kashmir is expected to resume smoothly in the coming days.
The strike, which lasted several days, had disrupted the supply of sheep from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns over a possible shortage of mutton in Kashmir, particularly during the ongoing marriage season.
The issue had also drawn the attention of the government, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier stating that he had taken up the matter with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, describing the action against J&K livestock traders as “unjustified.”
