Srinagar, July 03: The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Friday called off the ongoing strike by livestock dealers after the Punjab government intervened in the matter and reportedly instructed 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 issued directions to the police to allow 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 is awaiting formal written orders before assessing the situation on the ground.
“We are now waiting for the formal orders. After that, we will see how things move on the ground and whether the directions are implemented in letter and spirit,” he added.
He expressed hope that the movement of livestock to Jammu and Kashmir would resume smoothly in the coming days.
Deadlock ended! Kudos to HCM @OmarAbdullah sb for his swift intervention in resolving the Mutton crisis with Punjab.
Finally relief for the people during the wedding season. Omar sbs efforts ensured resumption of livestock supply to Kashmir, bringing much-needed relief.
— Imran Nabi Dar (@ImranNDar) July 3, 2026
Notably, the strike, which continued for several days, had disrupted the transportation of sheep from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering concerns over a possible mutton shortage in Kashmir, particularly during the ongoing marriage season.
The issue had prompted intervention at the government level, 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.”
