SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to immediately take up with the Punjab Government the issue of transit charges being levied on livestock, saying the dispute has disrupted mutton supplies to Kashmir and created panic among consumers, particularly as the Valley enters the peak marriage season.
In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Ahmad Shahdhar said the additional transit charges imposed by the Punjab authorities have placed an unjustified financial burden on mutton dealers, forcing many to suspend supplies. He said the issue has now begun to affect the general public, with concerns growing over the availability of mutton in local markets.
Shahdhar said anxiety is mounting among people as hundreds of marriages are scheduled across Kashmir in the coming days, with mutton being an essential part of traditional wedding feasts. He warned that any prolonged disruption in supply could lead to shortages, price escalation and unnecessary panic among consumers.
“The government cannot afford to remain a silent spectator. We urge the Jammu and Kashmir Government to immediately engage with the Punjab authorities and resolve the issue in the larger public interest. The concerns of mutton dealers are genuine, and unless the matter is addressed without delay, both traders and consumers will continue to suffer,” Shahdhar said.
He said the issue extends beyond the interests of traders and has now become a matter of public concern. With the marriage season underway, an uninterrupted supply of mutton is essential to avoid inconvenience to thousands of families making preparations for wedding functions.
The KTA appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the concerned departments to take up the matter at the highest level with the Punjab Government so that the additional transit charges are reviewed and normal movement of livestock into Jammu and Kashmir is restored at the earliest.
Shahdhar expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to prevent any further disruption in supplies and ensure adequate availability of mutton in markets across the Valley.