J&K Students Association writes to Punjab CM, seeks action against extortion and harassment of Kashmiri livestock transporters

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Friday wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking immediate intervention to end the alleged harassment, extortion, and illegal seizure of livestock transporters passing through Punjab en route to Kashmir. In the letter, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, expressed “deep anguish and growing alarm over an ongoing crisis that has disrupted the critical supply of livestock to Jammu and Kashmir, severely affected the livelihoods of hundreds of dealers and transporters, and exposed the systematic harassment taking place at key checkpoints in Punjab.

” The letter noted that the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association has been forced to suspend the transportation of livestock from outside states due to “repeated and unlawful harassment, extortion, and intimidation faced by truckers at various transit points in Punjab, particularly at Shambu and Madhopur checkpoints.” According to the Association, “Several truckers ferrying livestock to Kashmir have reported being forcibly stopped by local contractors who, under the false guise of enforcing cattle fair rules and in the name of animal welfare, are extorting huge sums of money from them.”

The letter added that these contractors are “reportedly misusing the name of a so-called animal welfare NGO to blackmail and threaten drivers and dealers, demanding bribes ranging from ₹5,000 to as much as ₹20,000 arbitrarily, depending on the day and the person on duty.” Khuehami emphasized that those refusing to pay are allegedly “being implicated in false FIRs, and their vehicles are seized unlawfully, leaving both the drivers and the livestock stranded in deeply distressing, inhumane conditions.”

The situation has reportedly become a daily ordeal, with traders “suffering losses exceeding ₹50,000 every day, making the trade financially unsustainable.” Quoting Mehraj Ud Din Ganie, General Secretary of the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Union, the Association noted that “their trucks, drivers, and animals are being held against their will, suffering without reason or fault.” He expressed “grave concern for the well-being of the livestock, particularly given the highly perishable and sensitive nature of live animal transport.” The letter further stated,

“Hundreds of sheep reportedly died due to prolonged halts, unbearable heat, and dehydration—all because of these unlawful delays.” Terming the ongoing actions as “daylight robbery being carried out under the false cover of legality and animal protection,” Khuehami said what is even more troubling is that “some of these actions are happening with the support or silent approval of local authorities, who are allegedly filing false cases and turning a blind eye to the exploitation happening in broad daylight.”

He asserted that “this state of affairs is not just unethical; it is dangerous and economically disastrous. It is destroying livelihoods, threatening food supply chains, and putting both people and animals at risk. The mutton trade is a vital part of Kashmir’s economy. Thousands of families, dealers, drivers, shepherds, and small-scale farmers depend on it directly or indirectly.”

The letter warned that “with the halting of livestock supply, the consequences will be felt widely in the Kashmir Valley, from rural producers to urban consumers, with rising prices and deepening economic despair.” It also highlighted the historic relationship between the two regions: “The relationship between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir has always been marked by fraternity, mutual respect, and cooperation. For decades, Punjab has served not just as a transit corridor but as a supportive neighbor that shares historical, cultural, and economic ties with the people of Kashmir.”

“It is deeply saddening that this route has now become a source of fear, anxiety, and exploitation. This betrayal of goodwill must be addressed urgently and decisively,” the letter added. Calling for “personal and immediate intervention,” Khuehami urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take swift action. “The lives of truckers and the well-being of thousands of livestock are at stake.

We urge the Chief Minister to restore fairness, accountability, and lawful conduct on the highways of Punjab.” He also requested that “the concerned authorities be directed to stop the harassment and extortion, withdraw false FIRs, release the seized vehicles and livestock, and hold accountable all those involved in this exploitation racket.”