Srinagar, June 29: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken up the concerns of the Union Territory’s wholesale mutton dealers with the Punjab Government, seeking immediate intervention to ensure the unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab.
In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Omar Abdullah highlighted complaints from the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union that livestock-laden vehicles are allegedly being stopped by contractor groups and subjected to unauthorized fee collection despite carrying valid permits and required documents.
The Chief Minister said such practices cause unnecessary delays, financial losses to transporters, and adversely affect animal welfare. He also noted that an internal committee of the J&K Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs found that transporters were reportedly being forced to pay substantial amounts without any apparent legal sanction.
Abdullah emphasized that these unauthorized charges are increasing the cost of livestock transportation, ultimately impacting mutton prices and consumers across Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the Punjab Government to examine the matter and ensure that no unauthorized levies are imposed on transporters complying with all statutory requirements.
The Chief Minister also requested that appropriate safeguards be put in place ahead of the upcoming cattle fair tendering process to prevent recurrence of such practices and protect the interests of traders and consumers.
