Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann seeking immediate intervention over alleged unauthorized collection of charges from livestock transport vehicles belonging to Jammu and Kashmir while transiting through Punjab.
In a letter dated June 23, 2026, Omar expressed concern over what he described as the difficulties faced by livestock traders and transporters of Jammu and Kashmir, citing representations made by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union.
According to the letter, vehicles loaded with livestock bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly being stopped by groups of contractors operating in connection with livestock fairs and subjected to unauthorized fee collection despite carrying valid permits and all required documentation.
The Chief Minister said such disruptions were causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, while 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, it said, concluded that carriers were reportedly being forced to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.
The letter further noted that movement of cattle is exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST) and warned that the continued imposition of such charges was imposing additional burden on cattle trade, with consequent impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two neighboring states, Omar wrote that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share historical ties of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He said any such practice, if found to be occurring, was inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation and had caused concern among the business community.
The Chief Minister also noted that the tender process related to livestock fairs in Punjab is likely to be launched soon. He said interested parties had expressed fears that unless appropriate safeguards were put in place, the alleged practices could continue into the next contract period, leading to recurring difficulties and financial losses for livestock traders.
Seeking Mann’s intervention, Omar requested that the matter be looked into and necessary steps be taken to ensure smooth, safe and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles across Punjab.
“It can also be ensured that no unauthorized intervention or collection of fees is permitted by transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all legal 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 long-standing economic ties between the two regions.