Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann to intervene immediately to stop the alleged unauthorised collection of money from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab, saying the practice is imposing a heavy financial burden on traders and driving up mutton prices in the Union Territory.
In a formal communication to the Punjab Chief Minister, Abdullah highlighted complaints received from the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which alleged that livestock-laden vehicles heading to Jammu and Kashmir are being stopped at checkpoints in Punjab and forced to make substantial payments despite carrying all valid permits and transport documents.
J&K imports mutton worth Rs 1400 crore every year
Every year the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir imports mutton worth Rs 1400 crore from different parts of the country to fulfil the requirements of its residents. On one hand, there is insufficient production of mutton in J&K; on the other hand, mutton produced locally also lacks quality.
As per information shared by the official spokesperson, mutton has been an essential part of the Kashmiri cuisine for generations, and Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse geography, has a significant demand for mutton.
"Despite the region's competitive advantage and potential to become self-reliant in the mutton sector, there is a shortfall of 41 per cent leading to an import bill of Rs1400 crore every year", an official spokesman said.
Additionally, the existing mutton production is not only of insufficient quantity but also lacks quality and is not Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) compliant, putting consumers at risk.
The majority of the livestock population is held by Bakerwals who follow traditional methods of farming, resulting in low productivity and profits. The UT has fewer than five breeds of sheep, with the majority being dual-purpose breeds such as Kashmir Merino, Rambouillet, and Corriedale. However, there is increasing demand for fast-growing mutton breeds like Dorper, Romnov, South Down, and others.
Transporters of J&K forced to pay illegal tax in Punjab
According to an internal inquiry conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, transporters are allegedly being compelled to pay hefty amounts per vehicle without any apparent legal sanction. The inquiry also found that livestock transportation is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), making such collections unjustified.
Officials said the alleged unauthorised charges have significantly increased the cost of transporting livestock into Jammu and Kashmir, with the additional burden ultimately being passed on to consumers through higher mutton prices.
The issue has been a long-standing grievance of livestock traders. Earlier this month, the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) claimed that nearly Rs 17–18 crore was collected from mutton dealers and transporters under the existing arrangement during the previous year, substantially increasing transportation costs and affecting the Valley's meat trade. The association urged both governments to resolve the issue before the annual cattle fair tendering process is renewed.
The association has repeatedly alleged that livestock vehicles transporting sheep and goats from Rajasthan, Delhi, and other states are stopped at Punjab checkpoints in the name of cattle fair charges, even though the animals are merely in transit and not intended for sale in Punjab. Similar allegations had triggered supply disruptions and protests by traders last year.
Omar seeks the intervention of Bhagwant Mann
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking his intervention to address the issue of alleged unauthorised fee collection from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab and ensure the unhindered movement of livestock consignments destined for Jammu & Kashmir.
In his letter, the chief minister highlighted the concerns raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union regarding the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters while transporting livestock through Punjab.
Chief Minister has taken up the concerns of J&K's mutton dealers with the Punjab Government, seeking immediate intervention to ensure the unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab. He urged an early resolution to prevent unauthorized levies and protect… pic.twitter.com/e7iIKzXkJB
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) June 29, 2026
The Chief Minister informed his Punjab counterpart that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu & Kashmir are reportedly being stopped by certain contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorised fee collection despite carrying all valid permits and statutory documentation.
He pointed out that such interruptions are causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters, while also adversely affecting animal welfare.
The Chief Minister further noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and observed that the continued imposition of such charges is placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, with consequential implications for meat prices and consumers across Jammu & Kashmir.
