Omar Abdullah seeks Bhagwat Mann’s intervention to stop ‘unauthorised levy on livestock transport in Punjab’

Published 30 June 2026 · politics

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday (June 29, 2026) wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over “unauthorized levy on the livestock

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday (June 29, 2026) wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over “unauthorized levy on the livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab”. Referring to the protests of the All-Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, Mr. Abdullah said, “Livestock-laden vehicles bound for J&K are allegedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorized fee collection despite carrying all valid permits and requisite documentation.” Abdullah said such interruptions “cause avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, besides adversely affecting animal welfare”.

Seeking the intervention of Mr. Mann in the issue, the J&K Chief Minister said, “I would request your (Punjab CM) kind intervention in having the matter examined and in ensuring the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab”. Abdullah asked the Punjab government to ensure “no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements.” The J&K government has the issue examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs through an internal committee.

According to the letter, the findings indicate that transporters are reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction. “The committee has 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 consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in J&K,” said Mr. Abdullah. Stating that Punjab and J&K “share longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence”, Mr Abdullah said any such practices, if found to be occurring, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterised relations between us and have understandably caused concern among the trading community.

Abdullah also pointed out that before the tendering process relating to cattle fairs, “appropriate safeguards are to be put in place”.