Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and stop alleged unauthorised levies being imposed on livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab. The appeal comes amid rising concerns from traders and transporters over disruptions faced during the movement of livestock bound for Jammu and Kashmir.

The issue gained urgency after mutton traders in Kashmir launched an indefinite strike, alleging that certain contractor groups operating around cattle fairs in Punjab were collecting unauthorised fees from livestock-laden vehicles. According to traders, these vehicles are being stopped despite carrying valid permits and required documentation, leading to delays and financial losses.

In his letter to the Punjab Chief Minister, Abdullah said the matter had been brought to his attention by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union. He noted that transporters were reportedly being forced to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any legal sanction. He added that such practices were also affecting animal welfare due to unnecessary delays in movement.

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The Chief Minister further said that an internal committee under the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs had examined the issue. The findings reportedly indicated that livestock movement is exempt from GST, and that the continued imposition of such charges was increasing costs for traders, ultimately impacting meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah also highlighted the broader economic and cooperative ties between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, stating that both regions share longstanding bonds of trade and interdependence. He wrote that any unauthorised interference in the movement of goods is inconsistent with this relationship and has caused significant concern within the trading community.

He urged the Punjab government to ensure smooth and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles and to prevent any unauthorised collection of charges from compliant transporters. Abdullah also expressed hope that appropriate safeguards would be put in place ahead of the upcoming cattle fair tendering process to avoid repeated disruptions in the future.

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