SRINAGAR : The deadlock over the supply of mutton to Kashmir appeared to ease on Friday after the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) called off the ongoing strike following the Punjab government’s intervention.
The association said it has been informed that the Punjab government has directed the police not to stop livestock vehicles at checkpoints, paving the way for the resumption of sheep transportation to Jammu and Kashmir.
Quoting KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din news agency KNO reported that the decision to end the strike was taken after receiving assurances from the Punjab authorities.
“The strike has been called off. We have been informed that the Punjab Police has been directed not to stop our livestock vehicles at checkpoints. Livestock mandis have also been asked to resume supplies,” he said.
However, he added that the association is still awaiting formal written orders before assessing the situation on the ground.
“We are waiting for the official orders. Once they are issued, we will review the ground situation and see whether the directions are being implemented in letter and spirit,” Mehraj-ud-Din said.
He expressed optimism that the transportation of livestock to Jammu and Kashmir would return to normal in the coming days.
The strike, which lasted several days, had disrupted the movement of sheep from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir, raising fears of a mutton shortage in the Valley, particularly during the ongoing wedding season.
The issue had also drawn the attention of the Jammu and Kashmir government. Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had taken up the matter with Bhagwant Mann, describing the action against J&K livestock traders as “unjustified” and seeking immediate resolution.
