Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking intervention over the alleged collection of unauthorised charges from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab. The issue was brought to Abdullah's notice by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which highlighted the difficulties faced by livestock traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir while passing through Punjab.
Details of the complaint
In his letter, Abdullah stated that the union has represented that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir are 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. Such interruptions reportedly cause avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, besides adversely affecting animal welfare.
Internal committee findings
Abdullah said the matter was examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and 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 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 a consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Call for mutual cooperation
The Chief Minister emphasised that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He stated that any such practices, if found to be occurring, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterised relations between the two states and have understandably caused concern among the trading community.
Abdullah further noted that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs was likely to begin shortly. Stakeholders have expressed apprehension that, unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, such practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, resulting in recurring hardship and financial losses to livestock traders. He requested Mann to examine the matter and ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab.
Impact on trade and consumers
The internal committee's observations highlight that the unauthorised charges place an additional burden on the livestock trade, which could lead to increased meat prices for consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. The exemption of livestock movement from GST underscores the legal basis for the transporters' grievance. The Chief Minister's intervention seeks to uphold the principles of mutual cooperation and economic interdependence that have historically benefited both states.
