As Punjab levies livestock transport fee for J&K supplies; CM Omar writes to CM Mann

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene in the alleged unauthorized collection of fees from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab, saying the practice is disrupting supplies to Jammu & Kashmir and increasing costs for traders and consumers.

In a letter to his Punjab counterpart, Omar Abdullah highlighted concerns raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding the difficulties faced by livestock traders and transporters while transporting livestock through Punjab.

The Chief Minister said livestock-laden vehicles destined for Jammu & Kashmir were reportedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorized fee collection despite carrying all valid permits and statutory documentation.

He said such interruptions were causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship for transporters, besides adversely affecting animal welfare.

Referring to the findings of an internal committee constituted by the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Omar Abdullah said the panel had reportedly found that transporters were being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.

The Chief Minister noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and said the continued imposition of such charges was placing an additional financial burden on the livestock trade, with consequential implications for meat prices across Jammu & Kashmir.

Emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring states, Omar Abdullah said Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir share enduring ties of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He observed that any such practices, if established, would be inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation between the two governments and had understandably caused concern among the trading community.

The Chief Minister also referred to reports that the tendering process for cattle fairs in Punjab is expected to begin shortly. He conveyed concerns expressed by stakeholders that, unless adequate safeguards are introduced, the alleged practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, leading to recurring financial hardship for livestock traders.

Seeking Punjab’s intervention, Omar Abdullah requested Bhagwant Mann to have the matter examined and ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. He also urged that transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements should not face unauthorized interference or fee collection during transit.

Expressing confidence in the cooperative relationship between the two governments, the Chief Minister thanked the Punjab government in advance for its support in resolving the issue in the interest of traders, consumers and the uninterrupted movement of essential livestock supplies between the two regions.