Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jul 30: A widespread boycott of cattle trading by Maharashtra’s Qureshi community has entered its third week, triggering disruptions across key sectors — from rural agriculture and meat exports to hotel kitchens. The protest, sparked by rising attacks and harassment by self-proclaimed ‘gau rakshaks’ (cow vigilantes), is now straining supply chains and exposing the deep reliance on the community’s role in livestock commerce.

The Qureshis, who are central to Maharashtra’s livestock trade and meat processing industry, have completely halted the buying and selling of cattle. Their protest alleges rampant vigilantism targeting legally operating traders and transporters, even when they possess valid permits.

“Our people are being harassed, stopped, even assaulted — despite having all the necessary documents. The situation is intolerable,” said Haji Arif Chaudhary, state head of the All India Jamiatul Quresh, which submitted a formal complaint to Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla on July 15 demanding action.

Supply Chain Breakdown

The effects of the boycott are visible on the ground:

• Cattle markets are deserted.
• Slaughterhouses have gone idle.
• Export units are facing critical shortages.
• Restaurants are running low on key ingredients.

According to the Animal Husbandry Department, slaughter numbers at the state's eight export-oriented abattoirs have plummeted. Between July 14 and 20, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-based Al Quraish reported zero slaughters, while Allana Sons managed only 734 buffaloes, compared to nearly 10,000 in a single week just a month earlier.

“This is the steepest drop we’ve seen,” said Dr Nanasaheb Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the department. “When we checked with the units, they confirmed that the Qureshi community’s boycott is the reason.”

Farmers and Exporters Suffer

The boycott has also disrupted the seasonal cycle for farmers, especially during the monsoon when they typically sell unproductive cattle to fund sowing.

“No buyers means no money. We’re stuck with unsold cattle and can't afford seeds or fertilizers,” said Laxman Bapurao Sashe from Ghodegaon, home to one of Maharashtra’s largest livestock markets.

Exporters warn that the boycott could soon lead to breach of contract with international clients. An executive from a Malegaon-based exporter said, “We’re dangerously close to defaulting. The government needs to act before things spiral further.”

Hospitality Sector Feels the Heat

In Mumbai and other urban hubs, restaurants are struggling to procure buffalo meat — a staple in many dishes, especially in bulk catering and traditional recipes.

“Prices are rising, supply is erratic, and we’ve had to revise our menus,” a hotelier in Mumbai explained. “This isn’t just an industry problem — it’s affecting the consumer, too.”

A Call for State Intervention

The Qureshi community insists that the boycott will continue until the state government ensures the implementation of existing laws and provides protection from vigilantism.

“We’ve been blamed, cornered, and harassed for too long. The moment we stopped operations, the system started to feel it. Let this be a wake-up call,” said Haji Isa Qureshi, a senior member of the Jamiat.

With mounting economic impact and growing unrest in both rural and urban areas, pressure is now building on the Maharashtra government to respond decisively and restore normalcy in the cattle trade ecosystem.