J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asks Punjab to halt unauthorised livestock levy

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urging immediate action against alleged unauthorised fees being imposed on livestock transport vehicles from J&K while transiting Punjab. The letters, dated June 23, say that contractor groups linked to cattle fairs are stopping vehicles that hold valid permits and charging substantial payments despite the exemption of livestock movement from GST.

The issue, highlighted by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, is reported to cause avoidable delays, financial losses for traders and transporters, and animal‑welfare concerns. An internal committee of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs found no legal sanction for the charges and warned that continued levies could raise meat prices for consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah requested Punjab’s cooperation to ensure smooth, uninterrupted movement of livestock vehicles and urged safeguards before the upcoming tender for cattle‑fair contracts.