Kashmir Mutton Dealers Decry Extortion on Punjab Highways

SRINAGAR: Mutton dealers from Kashmir have raised serious concern over what they described as growing hooliganism by private contractors on Punjab highways. The traders said their livestock trucks are being forcibly stopped during transit, and they are compelled to pay hefty sums under the pretence of cattle fare charges.

According to the dealers, the interference occurs even though they do not make livestock purchases in Punjab and only use the route for transportation. They said the contractors halt vehicles at multiple points, creating obstructions and pressuring truckers until they agree to pay. The traders added that the amounts demanded vary but remain substantial enough to affect their operational costs and delay supplies to Kashmir markets.

The mutton dealers said the situation has been escalating in recent weeks and has caused uncertainty for truck drivers who travel long distances with livestock. They alleged that the obstruction has turned into an organised pattern along certain stretches of the highway where drivers are routinely confronted.

The dealers appealed to authorities in both Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to intervene and ensure safe, unobstructed transit for livestock vehicles. They said the issue, if left unaddressed, could disrupt meat supply chains and impose additional financial burden on traders already grappling with high transportation and procurement costs.

They also urged police and regulatory agencies to investigate the checkpoints where contractors are reportedly extorting money, saying that accountability is necessary to prevent further harassment. [KNT]