Protests intensified on Monday as members of the Sangharsh Committee blocked the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali National Highway in Himachal Pradesh, demanding the withdrawal of a proposed entry tax. The blockade, which commenced at 11 am and was scheduled to last for four hours, caused significant traffic disruptions, affecting commuters, tourists, and transporters.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the demonstration is part of a wider agitation planned by the committee at 56 entry and exit points connecting Himachal Pradesh with its neighbouring states. The action highlights growing opposition to the state government’s fiscal measures impacting inter-state movement and commerce.
Protesters Cite Economic Burden
Gaurav Rana, a leader of the Sangharsh Committee, stated at the protest site that the agitation would persist until the Himachal Pradesh Government rescinded the proposed entry tax. He characterized the levy as “anti-people,” asserting that it would negatively impact traders, transporters, farmers, and ordinary citizens who frequently travel between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Rana further alleged that the tax would lead to an increase in transportation costs, placing an additional financial burden on residents of border areas whose livelihoods depend on cross-state movement. The committee’s stance is that the tax is unwarranted and will disproportionately affect those who rely on inter-state commerce and travel for their economic stability.
Social and Economic Ties at Stake
Another committee leader emphasized that the protest was being conducted peacefully and appealed for public support. The leader articulated that the issue extended beyond taxation, referencing the strong social and economic ties shared by thousands of families across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The imposition of an entry tax, according to the protesters, would create unnecessary obstacles, thereby affecting trade, tourism, and daily travel between the two regions.
The protesters reiterated their demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed tax, contending that it would discourage tourism and adversely affect industries and businesses dependent on cross-border trade. They believe that such a measure could stifle economic activity and hinder the development of regions reliant on inter-state interactions.
Disruption to Traffic and Tourism
The highway blockade led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the Kiratpur-Manali route. Tourists heading to popular destinations such as Manali, Bilaspur, and Kullu faced significant delays. The movement of commercial vehicles transporting goods between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh was also disrupted, impacting supply chains and businesses reliant on timely deliveries.
Several travellers were observed waiting on the highway as traffic remained suspended for the duration of the protest. The demonstration underscored the vulnerability of key transportation arteries to localized agitations and the potential economic consequences for various sectors.
Wider Protests Planned
Committee members issued a warning of escalating the agitation if their demands were not met. They confirmed that similar protests were concurrently underway at several other border points connecting Himachal Pradesh with Punjab and Haryana, indicating a coordinated and widespread opposition to the entry tax policy.
Among the prominent figures present at the Kiratpur-Manali highway blockade were Madan Gopal Sharma, Darshan Singh Kapal, Kuldeep Dev Bawa, Dilawar Singh, Didar Singh Dara, Mahinder Pal Happy, Kuldeep Singh Sonu Bawa, Binder Bhagal, Mahinder Kumar Shonki, Sunil Kumar, and Kamal Kumar, accompanied by a substantial number of supporters. Police personnel were deployed at the scene to manage the situation and ensure law and order. Authorities closely monitored the unfolding events throughout the four-hour demonstration.
The Chenab Times News Desk