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| J&K mutton dealers face alleged extortion, harassment on Punjab borders | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, July 25: Amid growing concerns over alleged harassment and extortion at Punjab’s border checkpoints, mutton dealers in Kashmir have announced the suspension of live animal imports from outside the Union Territory—a move that could significantly disrupt the Valley’s meat supply chain.
The decision follows serious allegations of illegal toll collection and obstruction by certain cattle fair contractors at the Shambhu and Madhopur entry points in Punjab.
Despite repeated appeals by the traders, the extortion has reportedly continued unabated.
Taking cognizance of the issue, Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, has expressed concern over the reported mistreatment of livestock traders and called for immediate action.
Addressing a press conference, Mehrajuddin Ganai, General Secretary of the Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, said the suspension was not a unilateral move but a collective decision made after extensive consultations.
“We’ve spoken to all major stakeholders. Our suppliers in Rajasthan, Sikar, Delhi, and Ambala have been informed. Truckers are being forced to pay illegal charges—sometimes up to ₹20,000 per vehicle—just to cross the border,” Ganai said. “This extortion is making our trade unviable. The onus is now on the government to act.”
The halt in livestock imports could lead to shortages and price fluctuations in Kashmir, which depends heavily on animal supplies from other northern states to meet its mutton demand.
Backing the dealers, Farooq Dar, Co-Chairman of the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), said the issue goes beyond business interests.
“We stand firmly with the mutton dealers. This is an assault on the economic well-being of our region. If the extortion continues, both the public and traders will suffer,” Dar warned. “We urge the Punjab government to take swift and strict action to curb these illegal practices at the border checkpoints.”
He added that KEA is prepared to escalate the matter to higher authorities if corrective measures are not taken immediately. |
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