Himachal-Punjab Border Blockades Erupt Over Vehicle Entry Tax Dispute
Tension gripped the borders between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on Wednesday as multiple organizations blocked approximately 33 entry points in a widespread protest against Himachal's decision to increase entry taxes for outside vehicles. The situation escalated with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issuing a stern warning of a tit-for-tat tax response, heightening interstate friction.
CM Mann's Retaliatory Warning and Protest Actions
In response to media queries in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated, "While we are closing toll plazas, the Himachal government is imposing entry taxes. We will monitor the situation, but we also know how to impose such a tax ourselves." His remarks came as protesters, undeterred by Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's announcement of a rollback during Tuesday's budget session, blocked key highways including the Chandigarh-Manali highway at Garamaura, the Nangal-Una highway at Mehatpur, and the Rupnagar-Nalagarh road.
Tax Hike Details and Allegations of Continued Charges
The initial tax plan aimed to raise fees for five-seater vehicles from Rs 70 to Rs 170 and for six-to-twelve-seaters from Rs 110 to Rs 130, effective from March 31 midnight. Under the revised rollback, rates were supposed to revert to Rs 70 and Rs 110. However, angry protesters alleged that the Himachal government was still charging the increased rates under the guise of rationalization. At the Garamaura toll plaza on the Kiratpur-Ner Chowk section, members of various Punjab-based farmer, taxi, and truck unions raised slogans against the Himachal government, claiming they were being unfairly taxed.
Massive Disruptions and Public Outcry
The protesters labeled the entry fee a "gunda tax" (extortion tax) and demanded its total removal. A five-hour blockade from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm triggered massive traffic jams on both sides of the border, leaving thousands of commuters and tourists stranded. The standoff ended in the afternoon after senior officials from the Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) and Anandpur Sahib (Punjab) administrations reached Garamaura. They assured protesters that a joint meeting between representatives of both states would be held within 10 days to resolve the issue.
Impact on Daily Life and Transport Services
The disruption heavily impacted daily life, with hundreds of residents who commute from Una to industrial hubs like Baddi, Barotiwala, and Nalagarh unable to reach work. The Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) suspended numerous routes or diverted buses through Bhakra and Swarghat, resulting in longer travel times and higher costs. An HRTC official reported that 50% of the fleet in Una remained stationary due to the closures.
Political Criticisms and Interstate Dialogue
Chief Minister Mann also criticized Punjab Congress leaders for their stoic silence on the matter, adding, "On one hand, the Punjab government is abolishing toll taxes to provide reprieve to the common man; on the other, these people are levying undue taxes." Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring spoke with CM Sukhu via phone to discuss the tax concerns, indicating ongoing political efforts to address the dispute.
