India, July 2 -- Ahead of the peak marriage season, the Kashmir valley is fast running out of its mutton reserves, leaving hosts high and dry.

If the crisis persists for a few more days, many guests may have to return home without relishing mouthwatering Wazwan delicacies.

Wazwan is traditionally served at weddings and family gatherings, where guests share a multi-course feast from a large copper platter called the trami. The feast is best known for its rich meat dishes - Rogan Josh, Rista, Gushtaba, Tabakh Maaz, etc.

The imposition of a 4 per cent tax (unauthorised fees) on livestock trucks transiting through Punjab has triggered the current crisis.

Mutton dealers in the valley have termed this charge a Goonda tax (extortion), allegi...