Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking his immediate intervention to address the alleged unauthorized collection of fees from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab and to ensure the smooth movement of consignments destined for Jammu and Kashmir.
In his letter, Omar Abdullah highlighted concerns raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters while transporting livestock through Punjab.
The Chief Minister stated that livestock-laden vehicles carrying valid permits and statutory documentation are reportedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and compelled to pay unauthorized charges during transit.
He said such practices are resulting in avoidable delays, financial losses for transporters and traders, and unnecessary hardship, while also adversely affecting animal welfare.
Referring to the findings of an internal committee constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Omar Abdullah said the committee had found that transporters were allegedly being forced to make substantial payments per vehicle without any apparent legal sanction.
The Chief Minister further noted that livestock movement is exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST), adding that the continued imposition of such unauthorized charges is placing an additional financial burden on the livestock trade. He warned that the increased transportation costs could eventually impact meat prices, affecting consumers across Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising the longstanding relationship between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said the two neighbouring states share strong bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He observed that if such practices are indeed occurring, they are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally existed between the two governments and have caused concern among the trading community.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to reports that the tendering process for cattle fairs in Punjab is likely to begin shortly. He conveyed the apprehensions expressed by stakeholders that unless appropriate safeguards are introduced, the alleged unauthorized fee collection could continue during the upcoming contract period, resulting in recurring financial hardship for livestock traders.
Seeking Punjab’s intervention, Omar Abdullah requested Bhagwant Mann to have the matter examined and to ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. He also urged that no unauthorized interference or collection of charges be permitted from transporters carrying valid documents and complying with all statutory requirements.
Expressing confidence in the spirit of cooperation between the two governments, Omar Abdullah thanked the Punjab Chief Minister in advance for extending support to resolve the issue in the interest of traders, consumers and the seamless movement of essential livestock supplies between the two neighbouring regions.
