Srinagar, Dec 17: Twelve days after the Jammu and Kashmir Government formally wrote to the Punjab Chief Minister seeking intervention against alleged extortion and harassment of livestock transporters, the Punjab administration has yet to respond, leaving Kashmir’s mutton traders angry and anxious.
The letter, dated December 4, was sent by the J&K Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport and allied departments. It sought an urgent meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister to address complaints related to the interstate movement of livestock, particularly at the Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints.
Despite follow-ups, traders say there has been no acknowledgement or response from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office. This silence has deepened frustration among livestock dealers, who allege that transporters are being forced to make illegal payments at these transit points.
“It is shocking that even after a formal communication from one government to another, there is complete silence,” said a senior mutton trader. “Transporters are being financially drained at these checkpoints, and there appears to be no concern from the Punjab side.”
The issue was earlier flagged by the J&K Government following complaints of harassment and extortion, with traders warning that continued obstruction could lead to a rise in mutton prices in Kashmir.
General Secretary of the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association, Mehraj-ud-Din, said traders are feeling cornered. “Our government raised the issue officially on December 4. The real question is why Punjab is silent. Does this silence mean approval of what is happening on the highways?” he asked.
Traders have appealed to the Punjab Government to step in immediately and instruct enforcement agencies to stop what they describe as illegal practices hampering livestock movement to J&K.
“If this situation continues, the impact will be felt by consumers as well. Prices will go up, and responsibility will lie with Punjab’s inaction,” Mehraj-ud-Din said, adding that traders are waiting for a resolution but may be forced to rethink their position if the matter remains unaddressed.
