Doesn’t fully meet our demand, will closely monitor implementation: KMDA
Srinagar|July, 03: The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) has called off its strike following a communication from the Punjab government addressing concerns regarding the movement of livestock vehicles.
Despite this development, the association’s General Secretary, Mehraj-ud-Din, on Friday said that the response did not fully satisfy their demands, particularly the lack of a clear exemption from cattle fair levies for vehicles merely transiting through Punjab. The communication emphasized grievance redressal and the appointment of nodal officers rather than providing the specific order the association sought. The Punjab government’s letter, prompted by a representation from the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, acknowledged the issue of contractors collecting fees from livestock vehicles passing through Punjab. It clarified that fees should only be paid for livestock transactions occurring within Punjab and outlined procedures for verifying documentation for vehicles in transit. Additionally, the letter mandated the appointment of grievance officers and the installation of information boards at cattle fair checkpoints to facilitate compliance and address concerns. The strike, which lasted ten days, had significant implications for the transportation of sheep to Jammu and Kashmir, raising fears of a mutton shortage during the marriage season. The KMDA has decided to monitor the situation closely, as the effectiveness of the government’s directives will only become apparent with their implementation.
