Spiraling Prices, Prolonged Dispute Leave Families Helpless; Dealers Blame ‘Unrealistic’ Govt Rates
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD ): As Kashmir steps into the heart of its traditional wedding season, a deepening mutton crisis is threatening to spoil celebrations across the Valley. A prolonged standoff between mutton dealers and the administration over pricing has led to a near shutdown of supply, leaving thousands of families and caterers in distress.
In a region where mutton is not just food but a cultural cornerstone—especially for the elaborate and symbolic Wazwan—the shortage has turned into a social and economic disruption.
Most butcher shops in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Pulwama remain shut or are operating with minimal supply. The fixed government rate of Rs 535 per kilogram, dealers say, is outdated and does not reflect the current market dynamics.
“We are not on strike out of choice,” said Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a senior member of the All Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association. “We simply cannot afford to sell mutton at losses. Livestock prices have gone up in outside mandis, transportation costs are rising daily, and yet the rate here hasn’t been revised meaningfully in years.”
“We are being painted as villains, but the truth is we’re running a business, not charity,” added Mohammad Asif, a dealer from Anantnag. “The government wants us to sell at Rs 535 per kg, but the actual cost from procurement to retail now exceeds Rs 600. How is that sustainable?”
The impasse has led to visible panic. Families planning weddings are being forced to either delay their functions or drastically alter the menu—an emotionally difficult choice in a culture where Wazwan defines the very essence of celebration.
“We had planned my daughter’s wedding for next week, but we’ve put it on hold,” said Hameeda Jan, a resident of Hawal, Srinagar. “Without mutton, what kind of Wazwan can we offer? It’s humiliating to invite guests without the traditional dishes.”
Caterers are equally anxious. Orders are being cancelled or changed last-minute, affecting livelihoods of chefs (wazas), helpers, and transporters.
“It’s peak season, and we’re watching it collapse in front of us,” lamented Tariq Dar, a caterer in Srinagar. “This is not just a supply issue. It’s a cultural crisis.”
Officials from the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department say discussions are underway with stakeholders to find a resolution. However, sources within the department admit that the issue may linger if both sides hold rigid positions.
In the meantime, black-market rates for mutton have reportedly soared to Rs 700–750 per kg in some areas, as desperate consumers turn to limited unofficial sellers.
Consumer rights activists are also calling for better regulation and transparency.
“This kind of disruption, especially during wedding season, should not happen year after year,” said Nasir Khuehami, a youth leader. “The government needs to sit with dealers, revise rates reasonably, and ensure stable supply.”
Unless a breakthrough is reached soon, Kashmir may be heading toward a wedding season without its most cherished ingredient — turning celebration into anxiety for thousands( DD)
