Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally written to the Punjab Chief Minister, seeking immediate intervention over the alleged “extortion and harassment” faced by livestock and mutton dealers at Punjab’s Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints.
According to the details available, the letter, dated December 4, was sent by Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Kashmir, to the Punjab Chief Minister, requesting action to “ensure hassle-free movement” of livestock consignments bound for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Senior officials and National Conference leaders, including Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma and representatives from the Mutton Dealers Association have sought time to meet the Punjab Chief Minister,” sources said, adding that the CM, who was abroad is likely to return tonight, after which the meeting is expected to be scheduled.
The move follows the recent warning by the Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association of a “possible price hike” in the Valley, citing heavy “unofficial payments” allegedly extracted from transporters at multiple Punjab checkpoints.
“We were informed that a formal communication has already gone from the Consumer Affairs Ministry Kashmir to Punjab. A delegation will visit once the Chief Minister returns and we are hopeful that the matter will be resolved at the top level,” said a senior member of the the Mutton Dealers Association.
He added that the delegation comprising NC leaders, government officials and dealer representatives, was ready to proceed to Punjab for talks once the meeting is fixed.
“The delegation has “sought appointment from the Punjab CM’s office” and expects a “positive outcome” once the meeting is held.
