SRINAGAR: The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, has formally written
to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Bhagwant Mann, seeking his urgent intervention to stop the
In his communication (Letter No. PS/HCM/D.O/2026/104), Chief Minister Abdullah highlighted
faced by traders. Despite possessing valid documentation, J&K-bound vehicles are reportedly
being stopped by certain groups and forced to make substantial, unauthorised payments.
An internal inquiry by the J&K Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs looked
into the matter and their findings indicate that transporters are reportedly being compelled to
make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction. The
committee further determined 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 Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the traditional economic interdependence and friendship between the two regions,
the Chief Minister requested immediate measures to ensure the smooth, secure, and
unhindered movement of transport vehicles. He urged the Punjab government to institute strict
safeguards, especially ahead of the upcoming cattle fair tendering process, to prevent any
further financial losses and hardship to the trading community
