Patiala: Nihang Sikhs have declared that they will restart and make permanent their symbolic 'Khalsa tax' on Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles from any day after June 21. This move reignites a weeks-long dispute over Himachal's entry tax on out-of-state vehicles.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began when Himachal Pradesh increased its entry tax on vehicles from other states. In response, Nihang Singhs collected a symbolic 'Khalsa tax' for one hour on June 3 at the Punjab-Himachal border in Kiratpur Sahib. Himachal had earlier raised entry fees for certain vehicle categories but later reduced the increase for private vehicles from Rs 170 to Rs 100 after objections. Despite this, dissatisfaction persisted in Punjab.
Nihang Leader's Statement
Nihang leader Baba Achar Singh, representing the Anandpur Sahib faction of the 'Misal Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji Chamkaur Sahib' organisation, stated that the decision was taken because neither state government had responded despite repeated warnings. He added that the group, along with activists and local residents, has been urging Himachal to abolish the entry tax entirely or for Punjab to impose a reciprocal charge on Himachal vehicles.
Previous Protest Actions
On June 3, Nihang Singhs set up a checkpoint near the Gara Maura NHAI toll plaza on the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali road. They collected the symbolic tax for about an hour, asking commuters to voluntarily contribute starting from Rs 10. The Nihangs compared Himachal's levy to the historical 'Jaziya tax.' Achhar Singh noted that no one was forced to pay, and some contributed amounts ranging from Rs 10 to 200 as Khalsa tax. He gave both governments a 10-day deadline to resolve the issue.
Reactions and Political Fallout
The protest drew strong responses. Himachal's revenue minister condemned the move, calling the entry tax a normal state matter and alleging political motives behind the agitation. In Punjab, the issue became a key opposition point, with Sangarsh Morcha convener Gaurav Rana accusing the AAP government of inaction and questioning the delay in introducing the demanded reciprocal tax. An AAP legislator and opposition party functionaries from Ropar said it was being considered.
Current Status
As no settlement was reached, protest leaders, including the Himachal Entry Tax Sangharsh Committee and the Sangarsh Morcha, met on Tuesday to decide next steps. Ropar DC Aditya Dachalwal was unavailable for comment. The unresolved issue comes at a delicate time as Himachal Pradesh approaches its peak tourist season, raising concerns among transporters, traders, and tour operators about potential disruption at border points. Both governments face renewed pressure to negotiate a solution before the June 21 deadline.
