Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking immediate intervention over the alleged unauthorised collection of charges from livestock transport vehicles belonging to Jammu and Kashmir while transiting through Punjab.

In a letter dated June 23, 2026, Omar raised concerns over what he described as the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir, citing representations made by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union.

According to the letter, livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly being stopped by contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorised fee collection despite carrying valid permits and all required documentation.

The Chief Minister said such interruptions were causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters while also adversely affecting animal welfare.

Omar informed Mann that the matter had also been examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs through an internal committee. The committee, he said, found that transporters were reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.

The letter further noted that livestock movement is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and warned that the continued imposition of such charges was placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, with a consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two neighbouring states, Omar wrote that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share historic bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He said any such practices, if found to be occurring, were inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation and had caused concern among the trading community.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs in Punjab is likely to be undertaken shortly. He said stakeholders had expressed apprehension that unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, the alleged practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, leading to recurring hardship and financial losses for livestock traders.

Seeking Mann’s intervention, Omar requested that the matter be examined and necessary measures taken to ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab.

“It may also be ensured that no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements,” the Chief Minister wrote.

Omar expressed hope for Punjab’s cooperation in resolving the issue, saying such intervention would safeguard the interests of livestock traders and strengthen the long-standing economic ties between the two regions.

Srinagar, Jun 29: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘pratham puja’ at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir, marking the ceremonial start of this year’s annual yatra.

With the yatra commencing on July 3, Sinha said the administration, the Amarnath shrine board, the Army, the police, the security forces, the local community, service providers, and volunteers are working in complete synergy.

“Har Har Mahadev! Truly blessed to perform the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage. Prayed to Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all,” Sinha said on his official X handle.

“Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims. With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities & invaluable support of the people of Jammu Kashmir, we are fully prepared to welcome the devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey. May Baba Amarnath Ji bless us all,” he added.

Srinagar, June 29: Budgam Police have registered an FIR in connection with a scuffle between two groups from the Shia community in the Hardpanzoo area of Budgam district, officials said today.

In a statement, police said a fair, impartial and evidence-based investigation into the incident is underway.

Police said strict legal action would be taken against all those found involved, irrespective of their affiliation.

“Anyone found involved, irrespective of affiliation, will face strict legal action as per law,” the statement said.

Appealing for calm, Budgam Police urged the public not to spread rumours or unverified information about the incident.

The police also called upon residents to maintain peace and communal harmony and advised them to rely only on official updates issued by the authorities.

Further details regarding the incident were not immediately available.

Srinagar, June 29: Police in Baramulla on Monday dismissed as false and baseless a series of social media posts claiming that militants had attacked government offices, opened fire in the district, and that the annual Amarnath Yatra had been cancelled.

In a statement, Baramulla Police said the claims circulating on various social media platforms were completely fabricated and urged the public not to believe or share unverified information.

“The claims regarding a militant attack, firing on government offices, and cancellation of the Amarnath Yatra are false and baseless,” the police said, in a post on X.

Police Baramulla refutes fake social media claims of a militant attack, firing on government offices, and cancellation of the Amarnath Yatra. The claims are false and baseless. Legal action has been initiated against those spreading this misinformation.#baramullapolice

— Baramulla Police (بارہمولہ پولیس) (@BaramullaPolice) June 28, 2026

The police also warned that spreading misinformation could create unnecessary panic and disturb public order.

Authorities said legal action has been initiated against individuals responsible for creating and disseminating the fake content.

Baramulla Police appealed to the public to rely only on information issued through official government and police channels and to refrain from forwarding rumours or unverified posts on social media.

General Secretary of All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA) Abid Hussain Ansari on Sunday condemned the disruption in the 12th Muharram procession by fringe elements in the Hardu Panzoo area of Budgam district.

Addressing a press conference, Abid Ansari condemned the attack on the son of Molvi Imran Raza Ansari and his brother during the sacred 12th Muharram procession.

The association termed it as an attempt to disrupt the sanctity of Muharram and spread fear among mourners is utterly unacceptable.

“We demand a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation,” He said.

He further called upon the authorities to bring every person responsible to justice without delay.

“Muharram is a symbol of sacrifice, justice, and unity. Violence and sectarian hatred have no place in our society,” he said.