Srinagar, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday wrote to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann regarding unauthorised levy on livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab.
Mutton traders in Kashmir are on an indefinite strike, complaining about unauthorised heavy levies being recovered by some contractor gangs from J&K-bound livestock vehicles passing through Punjab.
In his letter, Abdullah sought the intervention of the Punjab government to stop the unauthorised practice.
He wrote that he was drawing Mann's attention to a matter of concern brought to his notice by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir while transiting through Punjab.
The union has represented that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorised fee collection despite carrying all valid permits and requisite documentation.
Abdullah said such interruptions reportedly cause avoidable delays, financial losses, and hardship for transporters, in addition to adversely affecting animal welfare.
The matter has also been examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, through an internal committee. The findings indicate that transporters are reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.
Abdullah said 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 a consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. Any such practices, if found to be occurring, are inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally characterised relations between them and have understandably caused concern among the trading community.
Abdullah added that he was also informed that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs is likely to be undertaken shortly. Stakeholders have expressed apprehension that, unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, such practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, resulting in recurring hardship and financial losses to livestock traders.
In view of the above, he requested Mann's kind intervention to have the matter examined and to ensure the smooth, secure, and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. It may also be ensured that no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements. Abdullah said he would be grateful for Mann's support and cooperation in this matter.
Source: IANS
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