Srinagar, Jun 29 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, urging him to intervene in the alleged unauthorised collection of fees from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab, officials said on Monday.
In his letter, Abdullah said the issue had been raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which alleged that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir were being stopped by certain contractor groups linked to cattle fairs and forced to pay unauthorised charges despite carrying valid permits and statutory documents.
He said such practices were causing delays, financial losses to transporters and adversely affecting animal welfare.
The chief minister referred to the findings of an internal committee constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, which reportedly found that transporters were being compelled to make substantial payments during transit without any apparent legal sanction.
Abdullah noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and said the alleged levy was placing an additional burden on the trade, with a likely impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also expressed concern that the practice could continue during the upcoming cattle fair contract period unless appropriate safeguards were put in place.
Seeking Punjab’s intervention, Abdullah urged Mann to ensure the smooth and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through the state and prevent any unauthorised interference or collection of charges from transporters carrying valid documents.
He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved in the spirit of cooperation between the two neighbouring states, officials said.(NVI)
