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

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday, June 29, 2026, regarding “imposition of unauthorized tax on animal transport vehicles passing through Punjab”.

Referring to the protests of the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, Mr. Abdullah said, “It is alleged that livestock-laden vehicles bound for J&K are stopped and subjected to unauthorized fee collection by some contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs despite carrying all valid permits and required documents.”

Mr Abdullah said such disruptions “cause avoidable delays, financial losses and difficulties for transporters, as well as negatively impacting animal welfare”.

Seeking Mr. Mann’s intervention in the matter, the J&K Chief Minister said, “I request your (Punjab CM) kind intervention to look into the matter and ensure smooth, safe and unhindered movement of animal transport vehicles through Punjab.”

Mr Abdullah asked the Punjab government to ensure that “unauthorized interference or collection of fees is not allowed by transporters who carry valid documents and comply with all legal requirements”.

The J&K government has had the Ministry of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs look into the matter through an internal committee.

According to the letter, the findings show that carriers are being forced to pay significant amounts per vehicle during transit with no apparent legal repercussions.

“The committee also observed that movement of animals is exempt from GST and continued imposition of such charges imposes additional burden on animal trade, resulting in impact on meat prices and consumers in J&K,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Stating that Punjab and J&K “share long-standing ties of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence”, Mr. Abdullah said such practices, if found to occur, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterized relations between us and has understandably caused concern among the trading community.

Mr. Abdullah also pointed out that “appropriate measures should be taken” before the tender process for cattle fairs.