Ongoing strike hits cattle markets in districts like Nanded and Jalna, leaving farmers without buyers. Community leaders call for immediate government action
MUMBAI — Members of the Quraysh community have launched a statewide protest across several districts in Maharashtra by shutting down their businesses, citing increasing harassment by police, disruptions by self-styled cow vigilantes, and growing obstacles in the livestock trade.
Business operations have come to a halt in districts such as Aurangabad, Parbhani, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Jalgaon, and Dhulia. The coordinated shutdown follows a series of district-level meetings where community leaders discussed their mounting concerns.
One of the most visible impacts has been on the weekly cattle market in Kamtha, Nanded — a major hub for regional livestock trade. The strike, which began on July 19, left Sunday’s market virtually deserted, especially in the buffalo and large animal segments, where Quraysh traders are key players.
Farmers who brought livestock to the market expressed frustration. “We come here to sell old cattle and buy new milking buffaloes,” said one farmer. “But today, there are no buyers. Quraysh traders, who usually handle this trade, are completely absent.”
Kamtha Mandi in-charge Sanchan Ahire confirmed the sharp decline in activity. “This market has never seen such a downturn,” he said. “Due to the strike by the Qureshi community, business has come to a complete standstill. Farmers, who rent space to sell their cattle, are now returning empty-handed. We urge the government to urgently address the community’s grievances to prevent further damage to the rural economy.”
A similar situation has been reported from Jalna, where livestock buying, selling, and slaughtering activities have completely stopped. The impact on the local economy is significant.
Speaking to media, community leaders and former Gram Panchayat members Qayyum Qureshi and Khalil Qureshi expressed strong concern. “If the administration does not find a solution to this problem as soon as possible, the Qureshi community will resort to large-scale protests, processions and demonstrations,” said Qayyum Qureshi.
Khalil Qureshi added, “Targeting traders who legally buy and sell animals, stopping their vehicles, confiscating animals and filing false cases against them is completely unjust. This is not only an attack on the livelihood of traders but also a violation of constitutional rights.”
They urged the government to take immediate steps to end the harassment and ensure that livestock trade continues safely and legally. The community is demanding protection under the law and recognition of their rights as citizens and traders.
The situation remains tense as farmers, traders, and authorities wait for a response from the government.
