Chandigarh: The controversy over the entry tax imposed by Himachal Pradesh on vehicles travelling via the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali highway has intensified, with Nihang Singh organizations announcing that they will begin collecting a “Khalsa Entry Tax” in Punjab as a protest against the levy.
The move comes amid growing opposition to the Himachal Pradesh government’s entry tax, which has sparked demonstrations, sit-ins and road blockades by various groups demanding its withdrawal.
Escalating the agitation, Nihang organizations have declared that a separate “Khalsa Entry Tax” will be imposed on vehicles within Punjab territory. According to reports, the collection of the tax is scheduled to begin from Thursday in the Modra area near the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border.
Leaders associated with the Nihang groups said the decision was taken to register their strong opposition to the Himachal entry tax and to highlight what they described as an unjust burden on commuters and transporters using the route.
The announcement has drawn attention as the Punjab government has not proposed or authorised any official entry tax on vehicles entering the state. The proposed levy is being presented by the protesting groups as a symbolic response to the tax being collected in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
The dispute over the highway tax has become a major issue in border areas, with transporters, local residents and religious groups voicing concerns over its impact on travel and commercial movement.
No immediate response has been issued by the Himachal Pradesh government regarding the Nihang organizations’ decision to introduce the “Khalsa Entry Tax.”
