Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he has taken up the concerns of mutton dealers of Jammu and Kashmir with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking his intervention in ensuring smooth movement of livestock vehicles through the neighbouring state.
Abdullah informed Mann that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu & Kashmir were 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.
“I have taken up this issue with the Punjab government, seeking immediate intervention to ensure the unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab,” Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
“They are just using the highway. There is no justification for unauthorised levies being imposed on the mutton dealers from Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The chief minister posted on social media a letter he had written to Mann last week, seeking his intervention.
In his letter, the chief minister has 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.
In the letter, he told Mann that such disruptions not only caused avoidable delays, but also financial losses and hardship to transporters, adversely affecting animal welfare.
The chief minister said the matter was being examined by the Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies & 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 consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
Abdullah reminded Mann that Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir 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 wrote.
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.
