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| Punjab’s ‘illegal’ livestock levies cost J&K traders Rs 18 crore a year, CM Omar seeks Mann’s intervention | | | SANJAY PANDITA
Early Times Report
Jammu, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann to intervene immediately to stop the alleged unauthorised collection of money from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab, saying the practice is imposing a heavy financial burden on traders and driving up mutton prices in the Union Territory.
In a formal communication to the Punjab Chief Minister, Abdullah highlighted complaints received from the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which alleged that livestock-laden vehicles heading to Jammu and Kashmir are being stopped at checkpoints in Punjab and forced to make substantial payments despite carrying all valid permits and transport documents.
According to an internal inquiry conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, transporters are allegedly being compelled to pay hefty amounts per vehicle without any apparent legal sanction. The inquiry also found that livestock transportation is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), making such collections unjustified.
Officials said the alleged unauthorised charges have significantly increased the cost of transporting livestock into Jammu and Kashmir, with the additional burden ultimately being passed on to consumers through higher mutton prices.
The issue has been a long-standing grievance of livestock traders. Earlier this month, the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) claimed that nearly Rs 17–18 crore was collected from mutton dealers and transporters under the existing arrangement during the previous year, substantially increasing transportation costs and affecting the Valley’s meat trade. The association urged both governments to resolve the issue before the annual cattle fair tendering process is renewed.
The association has repeatedly alleged that livestock vehicles transporting sheep and goats from Rajasthan, Delhi, and other states are stopped at Punjab checkpoints in the name of cattle fair charges, even though the animals are merely in transit and not intended for sale in Punjab. Similar allegations had triggered supply disruptions and protests by traders last year.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking his intervention to address the issue of alleged unauthorized fee collection from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab and ensure the unhindered movement of livestock consignments destined for Jammu & Kashmir.
In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted the concerns raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters while transporting livestock through Punjab.
The Chief Minister informed his Punjab counterpart that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu & Kashmir are 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 pointed out that such interruptions are causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, while also adversely affecting animal welfare.
Referring to the findings of an internal committee constituted by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said the committee had found that transporters were reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.
The Chief Minister further noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and observed that the continued imposition of such charges is placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, with consequential implications for meat prices and consumers across Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the longstanding ties between the two neighbouring states, Omar Abdullah said Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir share enduring bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He observed that any such practices, if found to be occurring, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterized relations between the two governments and have understandably caused concern among the trading community.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to reports that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs in Punjab is likely to commence shortly.
He conveyed the apprehensions expressed by stakeholders that, unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, 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 no unauthorized interference or collection of charges be permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements.
Expressing confidence in the spirit of cooperation between the two governments, the Chief Minister conveyed his gratitude in advance for Punjab’s support in resolving the issue in the interest of traders, consumers and the seamless movement of essential livestock supplies between the two regions. |
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