Harassment of Livestock Transporters in Punjab: J&K Students, Mutton Dealers Seek CM’s Intervention
Harassment of Livestock Transporters in Punjab: J&K Students, Mutton Dealers Seek CM’s Intervention
Advisor Assures Action as Delegation Flags Mafia-style Extortion, Disruption of Kashmir’s Mutton Supply
Srinagar, July 26, KNT: A delegation comprising members of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association and the Jammu & Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association on Friday called on Nasir Sogami, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to register strong protest over the repeated harassment and extortion of livestock transporters in Punjab.
The delegation, led by National Convenor of the Students Association Nasir Khuehami, submitted a detailed account of how Kashmiri truckers transporting livestock are being blackmailed, booked under “baseless” FIRs, and forced to endure prolonged detentions at checkpoints like Shambu and Madhopur, particularly under the pretext of animal welfare checks.
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“Transporters are not only facing intimidation but are losing livestock due to the heat and stress of being stranded for hours. This amounts to a human rights violation and has created a climate of fear on the highways,” Khuehami told the Advisor. The delegation alleged that these illegal activities are being carried out by local contractors with the tacit support of some officials.
They further informed that the Jammu & Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association has had to suspend livestock imports from outside states due to the recurring obstruction and threats faced by drivers. The resulting disruption has severely hit the mutton supply chain in the Valley, leading to estimated daily losses exceeding ₹50,000 and impacting thousands of families dependent on this trade.
“This is not just about the economy—it’s about dignity, food security, and the fundamental right to trade,” the delegation stated, urging immediate coordination between Punjab and J&K administrations to rein in the “highway mafia” and restore smooth movement of livestock.
In response, Advisor Nasir Sogami assured the delegation that the Chief Minister is seized of the matter and will soon take it up with his Punjab counterpart. “Swift action will be initiated to revoke false FIRs, release seized livestock and trucks, and hold the erring officials and contractors accountable,” Sogami assured.
The delegation called for setting up a regulatory mechanism to ensure transparency and legal safeguards for transporters, while also demanding punitive action against those responsible for the extortion and abuse.
As Kashmir reels under a disrupted meat supply, both the student and trader bodies vowed to continue pushing for accountability and protection of Kashmiri business interests beyond the region’s borders.[KNT]
