Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking intervention to stop unauthorized levies and fees on livestock transport vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir transiting through Punjab. According to Abdullah’s letter, the issue was brought to his attention by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which reported that contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs were stopping livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir. These groups were allegedly subjecting the vehicles to unauthorized fee collection despite the transporters carrying valid permits and documentation.

Abdullah stated that these interruptions cause avoidable delays, financial losses, and hardship to transporters, and adversely affect animal welfare. The Jammu and Kashmir government examined the issue through an internal committee in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs.

The dispute has resulted in market disruptions within the region. According to India Today, a strike by mutton traders has led to supplies disappearing from markets across the Kashmir Valley. Traders allege harassment and illegal fee collection from livestock transporters on highways in Punjab.