The strike by mutton traders has led to the disappearance of supplies from markets across the Kashmir Valley. Traders have alleged harassment and illegal collection of tolls from livestock transporters on Punjab highways. The disruption prompted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to write to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking immediate intervention.
In a letter dated June 23, Omar said the issue was brought to his attention by the All Kashmir Mutton Wholesalers Union, which complained that cattle traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir were facing serious difficulties in transit through Punjab.
ALLEGED “UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES”
According to the letter, vehicles carrying livestock bound for Jammu and Kashmir were allegedly stopped by teams of contractors working in connection with cattle fairs and were forced to pay unauthorized fees despite having valid permits and all required documents.
Omar wrote that such disruptions result in avoidable delays, financial losses and hardships for carriers, and negatively impact animal welfare.
The Chief Minister also referred to the findings of an internal committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
The committee reportedly found that carriers were forced to pay significant amounts for the vehicle during transit “without any apparent legal sanctions.” He also noted that the movement of livestock is exempt from GST and that the continued collection of such duties creates an additional burden on the livestock trade, which ultimately affects meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
APPEAL TO BHAGWANT MANN
Seeking Punjab’s intervention, Omar wrote, “I would like to seek your kind intervention in looking into this matter and ensuring smooth, safe and hassle-free movement of cattle transport vehicles across Punjab.”
He also called on Mann to ensure that “there is no unauthorized interference or collection of fees by carriers that have valid documentation and comply with all legal requirements.”
The letter added that the tender process associated with the cattle fairs is likely to begin soon and warned that unless safeguards are put in place, the practice may continue during the next contract period, resulting in ongoing financial losses for livestock traders.
CALL FOR A SAFE CORRIDOR
Omar said that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share a long-standing bond of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence, adding that any such practice, if any, is incompatible with the spirit of cooperation between the two states.
As mutton traders continue to go on strike and supplies dwindle in the Kashmir Valley, the Chief Minister has urged the Punjab government to ensure a safe and unhindered corridor for the movement of cattle and end the alleged harassment at the earliest.
– Ends
Published:
Sonali Verma
Published:
June 29, 2026 07:17 PM EST