Mutton vanishes from Kashmir markets, CM Omar writes to Punjab CM over highway fees

Published 29 June 2026 · india

A strike by mutton traders has led to supplies disappearing from markets across the Kashmir Valley, with traders alleging harassment and illegal fee collection from

A strike by mutton traders has led to supplies disappearing from markets across the Kashmir Valley, with traders alleging harassment and illegal fee collection from livestock transporters on highways in Punjab. The disruption has 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 had been brought to his attention by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which complained that livestock traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir were facing serious difficulties while transiting through Punjab. Read Full Story 'UNAUTHORISED FEES' ALLEGED According to the letter, livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir were allegedly being stopped by contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and forced to pay unauthorised charges despite carrying valid permits and all required documents.

Omar wrote that such interruptions were causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, besides adversely affecting animal welfare. The chief minister also referred to findings of an internal committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The committee reportedly found that transporters were being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit "without any apparent legal sanction". It also observed that livestock movement is exempt from GST and that the continued collection of such charges was placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, eventually affecting meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. APPEAL TO BHAGWANT MANN Seeking Punjab's intervention, Omar wrote, "I would request your kind intervention in having the matter examined and in ensuring the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab." He also appealed to Mann to ensure that "no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements".

The letter added that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs was likely to begin shortly and warned that, unless safeguards were introduced, such practices could continue during the next contract period, leading to recurring financial losses for livestock traders. CALL FOR A SAFE CORRIDOR Omar said Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir shared longstanding ties of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence, adding that any such practices, if found to be taking place, were inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation between the two states. With mutton traders remaining on strike and supplies hit across the Kashmir Valley, the chief minister has urged the Punjab government to ensure a safe and unhindered corridor for livestock transport and bring the alleged harassment to an end at the earliest.