Bilaspur, June 3: The ongoing dispute over entry tax and toll charges imposed on vehicles at the Punjab-Himachal border has taken a new turn. In response to the taxes being collected from Punjab-based vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh, members of the Shiromani Jarnail Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Nihang Singh Khalsa Dal have reportedly started collecting charges from Himachal-registered vehicles in Punjab.
The organisation established a temporary ‘Khalsa Entry Tax Naka’ near Gada on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway on Wednesday. The move comes after several protests and demands related to the issue reportedly failed to produce a solution.
Charges Collected from Himachal Vehicles
According to information available at the site, members of the Khalsa Dal began stopping Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles and collecting charges. Small private vehicles were reportedly charged ₹100, while commercial and larger vehicles were asked to pay up to ₹500.
A large number of Nihang Singhs were present at the temporary checkpoint during the operation. Vehicles were allowed to continue their journey after payment of the announced amount.
Protest Against Entry Tax
Representatives of the Khalsa Dal stated that the action was taken as a protest against the entry tax and toll charges being imposed on Punjab vehicle owners and farmers at various points on the Himachal Pradesh border.
The organization claims that despite repeated demonstrations and discussions with authorities, no satisfactory resolution has been reached. As a result, they decided to launch what they describe as a reciprocal protest.
Traffic Movement Affected
The temporary checkpoint on the national highway reportedly caused brief disruptions in traffic movement. However, vehicles continued to move after being stopped for fee collection.
Travelers using the Kiratpur-Manali route experienced delays as officials and volunteers managed traffic around the protest site.
Khalsa Dal Warns of Stronger Agitation
Speaking during the protest, Khalsa Dal leaders said that the campaign could continue if the issue remains unresolved. They demanded a review of the taxes imposed on Punjab vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh and called for a permanent solution through dialogue between the concerned authorities.
The organization stated that the protest is aimed at protecting the interests of Punjab’s transporters, farmers, and vehicle owners who are affected by the existing tax system.
Administration Monitoring the Situation
Authorities are closely monitoring developments on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway. Any further decisions regarding traffic management or law and order are expected to depend on discussions between the concerned stakeholders and government officials.
The situation remains under observation as both sides continue to express concerns over the taxation issue at the Punjab-Himachal border.