The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has urgently raised the issue of systematic extortion and harassment faced by Kashmiri livestock transporters with Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha. In a high-level intervention, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami highlighted how transporters are being illegally detained and forced to pay bribes at Punjab checkpoints like Shambu and Madhopur under the guise of animal welfare inspections.
During the telephonic discussion, Khuehami described the situation as an “organized assault on Kashmir’s economy,” citing multiple instances of livestock deaths and financial losses due to these illegal practices. The Chief Secretary assured immediate action, directing the Rural Development Department to prevent unauthorized interference and promising FIRs against extortionists.
Punjab CM’s Media Advisor Baltej Pannu also confirmed that DGP Gaurav Yadav has been alerted for swift enforcement. The JKSA has demanded revocation of all false FIRs against transporters, release of seized vehicles and animals, and a permanent mechanism to prevent such harassment.
This development comes days after Kashmir’s mutton dealers suspended livestock imports to protest the extortion racket, threatening meat supplies in the Valley. (Source: JKNS)
