MIANWALI: The Friday cattle market in Wan-Bhachran wore a deserted look as cattle traders and farmers boycotted the new official cattle market set up by the Punjab Cattle Management, three kilometres from the town on Mianwali-Lahore Road.

A heavy police force was deployed at the old tax-free cattle market to prevent activity. The traders and farmers refused to bring their animals to the new market, which they claim lacks adequate facilities despite reduced taxes announced by the government.

Last Friday, the old market was forcibly vacated by police using tear gas, which triggered protests by enraged cattle traders and farmers. They blocked traffic for several hours. Police subsequently registered two FIRs: one on a complaint from Punjab Cattle Management, nominating 132 people and 300 unidentified people, and another by the Wan-Bhachran police, naming 65 people and 250 unidentified people.

Among the accused is Malik Sajad Bhachar, son of late MPA Malik Mumtaz Bhachar, who provided the land for the original market to support poor farmers.

Farmers and traders have expressed frustration over high entry fees of Rs1,200 per animal in the new market, regardless of whether the animals are sold, along with extra charges imposed by contractors.

Gul Jahan, farmer from Khabari, said they were already facing losses due to falling crop prices and relied on cattle sales to survive. Muhammad Zaman of Chhor-wala said they often return home without selling their animals due to high taxes and lack of buyers, adding that the tax-free market offered better terms.

Social circles in the district have called on the Punjab government to address the situation, withdraw FIRs against the protesters, and provide proper facilities and tax relief in government-controlled cattle markets.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024