According to mutton dealers, the crisis has been caused by the alleged forced collection of transit charges from Kashmir-bound trucks carrying livestock. They claim that contractors operating on highways in Punjab are demanding between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 from every truck transporting livestock, despite transporters already paying a four percent tax at the place of origin.
"We pay a four percent tax at the place of origin where we buy the livestock in Rajasthan, Haryana, or Gujarat. But when our trucks reach Punjab, the contractors force us to pay Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 for each truck. This forced collection has made transportation of livestock to Kashmir unviable," a mutton dealer said.
The disruption has prompted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to write to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, seeking immediate intervention to end what he described as the illegal imposition of charges on livestock transport vehicles.
In his letter, Omar Abdullah requested Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the smooth, secure, and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. He also urged that no unauthorized interference or collection of charges be permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements.
"I would request your kind intervention in having the matter examined and in ensuring the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. It may also be ensured that no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements," the letter stated.
The Chief Minister further said that the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union had complained that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir were allegedly being stopped by certain contractor groups and forced to pay unauthorized charges despite possessing all valid permits and required documentation.
Mutton dealers said that although Omar Abdullah wrote to his Punjab counterpart about a week ago, there has been no improvement on the ground, and contractors in Punjab continue to impose the disputed charges on trucks carrying livestock.
"We have no option but to go on strike. How can we transport livestock in such a situation," said Hilal Ahmad, a mutton dealer.
According to the dealers, Kashmir imports livestock worth approximately Rs 12 crore to Rs 14 crore every day from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat during the peak wedding season. However, they said transportation has remained suspended for the past week because of the alleged unauthorized fee collection.
Jammu and Kashmir consumes nearly 60,000 tonnes of mutton annually but produces only around 30,000 tonnes locally. Nearly half of the region's total requirement is supplied from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. With almost 50 percent of the supply chain abruptly disrupted, the shortage has created a serious crisis, particularly during the peak wedding season when the traditional multi-course feast remains an integral part of wedding ceremonies across the Valley.
Hilal Ahmad said that efforts are being made to optimize the available local mutton supply, but the gap between demand and availability is too large to bridge. As the supply disruption continues, the crisis is placing increasing pressure on Kashmir's wedding season, with concerns growing over the availability of one of the region's most significant culinary traditions.
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