Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking intervention over the alleged collection of unauthorised charges from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab.
In the letter, Abdullah said the issue was brought to his notice by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which highlighted the difficulties faced by livestock traders and transporters from J&K while passing through Punjab.
“The Union has represented that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorised fee collection despite carrying all valid permits and requisite documentation. Such interruptions reportedly cause avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, besides adversely affecting animal welfare,” the letter states.
Abdullah said the matter was examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs through an internal committee.
“The findings indicate that transporters are reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction. The committee has further observed 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 a consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in J&K,” the letter states.
The Chief Minister said Punjab and J&K share longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence.
“Any such practices, if found to be occurring, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterised relations between us and have understandably caused concern among the trading community,” he said.
Abdullah further noted that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs was likely to begin shortly.
“Stakeholders have expressed apprehension that, unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, such practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, resulting in recurring hardship and financial losses to livestock traders,” he said.
He requested Mann to examine the matter and ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab.
