The dispute over Himachal Pradesh's entry tax on vehicles from Punjab intensified on Thursday as Nihang Singh organisations issued a 10-day ultimatum to both state governments, warning of escalated protests if the issue remains unresolved.
Ultimatum Issued by Nihang Singhs
Speaking on behalf of the Nihang group, Baba Achar Singh stated that the ultimatum applies to both the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab governments. "We have given 10 days to the Himachal government to stop levying entry tax on vehicles entering the state from Punjab. Punjab government has also been given 10 days to either persuade Himachal Pradesh to withdraw the tax or impose a reciprocal levy on vehicles entering Punjab from Himachal," he said.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy centers on the entry tax imposed by Himachal Pradesh under the Himachal Pradesh Toll Act, 1975, on vehicles entering the hill state from Punjab. Traders, transporters, and commuters from Punjab have termed the levy discriminatory and economically burdensome.
Symbolic 'Khalsa Toll' Protest
The latest warning comes a day after Nihang Singhs, under the banner of Misl Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji Chamkaur Sahib, set up a symbolic 'Khalsa Toll' near Kiratpur Sahib to protest the tax. The group collected voluntary donations from motorists, stating that the money would be used for charitable purposes under the principle of Sarbat da Bhala.
Punjab Morcha convener Gaurav Rana claimed the symbolic campaign drew attention to the issue. "The objective was not to impose any compulsory levy but to send a strong message and make the Himachal government realise the anger among people affected by the entry tax," he said.
Rana accused the Himachal Pradesh government of ignoring public concerns for months and warned that the agitation would intensify if no action was taken within the stipulated period.
Administration's Response
Ropar Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal confirmed that protesters collected voluntary donations at the Punjab-Himachal border but said the administration intervened, and the protest was wound up within minutes. He added that there had been no official communication with the Himachal Pradesh government on the matter.
Protest leaders stated they would announce the next course of action if the issue remained unresolved after the 10-day deadline.
