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.
