Cattle trade boycott over gaurakshaks' harassment hits farmers, meat exporters across Maharashtra
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The Qureshi community, which leads the livestock trade and meat processing industry in Maharashtra, has stopped all buying and selling of cattle, alleging unchecked vigilantism targeting transporters and traders. The boycott, now into its third week, has left cattle markets deserted, meat processing units running dry, and hotels struggling with supply shortages.
"The harassment of our traders by cow vigilante groups has become unbearable.
Despite valid documentation and licences, our people are being stopped, attacked, and humiliated," said Haji Arif Chaudhary, the state head of All India Jamiatul Quresh, which on July 15 made a representation to director general of police Rashmi Shukla seeking intervention and implementation of law.
Haji Isa Qureshi, another key member of the Jamiat, said, "To date, only our community was blamed and cornered. The moment we stopped purchasing and processing unproductive animals, all related sectors have started feeling the heat.
The govt should ensure that the existing laws related to our business are implemented."
Officials from the animal husbandry department confirmed the sharp fall in slaughter numbers from all eight export-oriented abattoirs situated across Maharashtra.
The authorities from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar said that the situation is no different for Allana Sons and Al Quraish —both known for being into cent per cent export.
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Between July 14 and July 20, Al Quraish recorded zero slaughter while Allana reported slaughter of only 734 buffaloes. This contrasts sharply with figures from late June, when Allana processed 9,744 animals in a week and Al Quraish 684.
"This is an unprecedented dip. We reached out to these units and were told that the Qureshi community's boycott is directly responsible for this drop," said Dr Nanasaheb Kadam, deputy commissioner, animal husbandry dept told TOI.
The ripple effect is also being felt in the agriculture sector, where farmers typically sell unproductive cattle during the monsoon to finance sowing. "With no buyers, our animals are unsold and we are short of cash. The boycott has left us stranded. The govt should bring a check on the vigilantes," said Laxman Bapurao Sashe from Ghodegaon-based animal market, considered to be one of the largest markets in the state.
Meat exporters warn that the halt in trading is threatening contractual obligations with overseas clients. "We are on the verge of defaulting on our export commitments due to a supply crunch. The govt must step in," said an official from a Malegaon-based export unit.
Hotels and restaurants, too, are facing the heat. "Buffalo meat is a major component in many food preparations, especially for bulk catering. The sudden shortage is affecting both pricing and menu planning," said a hotelier from Mumbai.
The Qureshi community has stated that the boycott will continue until the state govt takes concrete action against vigilante groups and ensures the safety of livestock transporters.
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