Omar Abdullah demands intervention on illegal recovery in Punjab!

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about the illegal levy on cattle-carrying vehicles passing through Punjab. Mutton traders are on indefinite strike in Kashmir. Their complaint is that some contractor gangs are illegally collecting heavy taxes from vehicles going to Jammu and Kashmir via Punjab. In his letter, Abdullah sought the intervention of the Punjab government to stop this illegal work.

He wrote, I would like to draw the attention of the Hon’ble Government to a worrying matter brought to their notice by the ‘All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union’. This matter is related to the problems faced by cattle traders and transporters of Jammu and Kashmir while passing through Punjab.

The union has pointed out that vehicles laden with animals bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly stopped by some contractor groups associated with cattle fairs and illegal fees are collected from them despite having all valid permits and necessary documents.

Abdullah said that such blockages cause unnecessary delays, financial losses and inconvenience to transporters and also adversely affect animal welfare.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government has also investigated the matter through an internal committee. It is learned that transporters are being forced to pay huge amounts per vehicle on the way without any legal clearance.

Abdullah said the committee has also found that movement of animals is exempt from GST and continued imposition of such charges is putting additional burden on the animal trade, which is also impacting meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have old relations of friendship, cooperation and economic dependence. If such actions are taking place, it goes against the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterized their relations and has naturally created concern in the business community.

Abdullah said that he has also received information that the tender process related to cattle fairs is going to start soon. Concerned people have expressed apprehension that if proper security measures are not taken, such activities may continue during the upcoming contract period, causing repeated hassles and financial losses to cattle traders.

He requested the Mann government to investigate the matter and intervene to ensure smooth, safe and uninterrupted movement of animal transport vehicles through Punjab.

It should also be ensured that there is no illegal interference or collection of fees from transporters who possess valid documents and follow all legal requirements. Abdullah said that he would be grateful for Mann’s support and cooperation in this matter.