Srinagar, Jun 08 (KNO): The Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Monday said the long-pending issue of alleged extortion and excessive fee collection at Punjab checkpoints continues unresolved even as the annual fee collection tender is set to expire later this month.
The association urged the Jammu & Kashmir government to intervene immediately to prevent further financial burden on livestock traders and ensure smooth transportation of animals into the Valley.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said mutton dealers have repeatedly raised concerns over what they called as “unjustified collections” from vehicles transporting livestock from Punjab to Jammu & Kashmir.
He said traders have been paying huge sums to move livestock-carrying vehicles through Punjab checkpoints, but despite repeated representations, no concrete resolution has emerged so far.
“The annual tender is now about to expire this month. Earlier also, we raised the issue of extortion and excessive collections in Punjab, but nothing substantial was done. The government must intervene before the new contract is finalised,” Mehraj-ud-Din said.
He said in the previous year, nearly Rs 17-18 crore had been collected from mutton dealers and transporters under the existing arrangement, significantly increasing the cost of livestock transportation and affecting the Valley’s meat trade.
“If the government acts now, something can still be done before the process is renewed again. Otherwise the burden on traders and consumers will continue,” he added.
The KMDA also said the issue had already created uncertainty in livestock supply chains. Dealers remain apprehensive over transportation costs and alleged harassment during movement of livestock vehicles.
Notably, the latest remarks come weeks after differences surfaced between the government and mutton dealers over Eid preparedness, with the administration claimed sufficient stock and advance planning while traders alleged that stakeholders were not taken into confidence regarding livestock movement issues from Punjab.
Earlier, the association had questioned the status of communications reportedly sent by the J&K administration to Punjab authorities regarding transport-related grievances, saying no formal update was shared with traders.
The issue of livestock transportation through Punjab has remained contentious since the past year, with Kashmir-based dealers alleging overcharging, stoppages and harassment at various checkpoints.
Meanwhile, the minister for food civil supplies and consumer affairs was not available for comments as the story will be updated with his comments—(KNO)