SRINAGAR: The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, has formally written to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Bhagwant Mann, seeking his urgent intervention to stop the unauthorized collection of payments on livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab.
In his communication (Letter No. PS/HCM/D.O/2026/104), Chief Minister Abdullah highlighted grievances raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding harassment faced by traders.
Despite possessing valid documentation, J&K-bound vehicles are reportedly being stopped by certain groups and forced to make substantial, unauthorised payments. An internal inquiry by the J&K Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs looked into the matter and their findings indicate that transporters are reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.
The committee further determined that livestock movement is exempt from GST and that the continued imposition of such charges is placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, with consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the traditional economic interdependence and friendship between the two regions, the Chief Minister requested immediate measures to ensure the smooth, secure, and unhindered movement of transport vehicles.
He urged the Punjab government to institute strict safeguards, especially ahead of the upcoming cattle fair tendering process, to prevent any further financial losses and hardship to the trading community.
