Srinagar, Dec 19: Food Supplies Minister Satish Sharma on Friday acknowledged that the problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir mutton dealers who have been harassed in Punjab are a genuine issue that needs prompt resolution. Speaking to reporters, he said that mutton dealers have raised complaints about extortion and harassment during transportation of livestock to Kashmir and that the government intends to send a delegation to Punjab to discuss and sort out the matter.
Sharma said that the government had planned to meet officials from Punjab to address the issue, but the Chief Minister had to leave unexpectedly for unavoidable reasons. He noted that the issue was raised with the Punjab Chief Minister during his visit to Kashmir. The minister also said that, alongside genuine traders, miscreants exist in every society and, in some cases, people are being coerced for illegal payments, putting innocent truck drivers at financial and personal risk.
The minister’s remarks come amid continuing reports from the Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association and livestock transporters that they have been subjected to harassment and extortion at transit points in Punjab. Dealers have alleged that vehicles carrying livestock from outside states have been routinely stopped at checkpoints such as Shambhu and Madhopur, where drivers are forced to make illegal payments before proceeding. Transporters have also complained about fabricated enforcement actions and seizures that have disrupted supply chains.
Sharma said the government’s proposed delegation to Punjab would aim to resolve the issues, ensure unhindered interstate movement of livestock, and safeguard the livelihoods of traders and transporters. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing legitimate grievances that affect key supply sectors in the Union Territory.[KNT]