Nihang Sikhs on Wednesday imposed a symbolic “Khalsa tax” on Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles entering Punjab near Kiratpur Sahib, intensifying a protest against the Himachal government’s newly introduced entry tax on out-of-state vehicles. The demonstration, which lasted for one hour from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, saw Nihang Sikhs collecting voluntary contributions from commuters as a protest against the levy imposed by Himachal Pradesh.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a contingent of Nihang Sikhs established a makeshift checkpoint near the Gara Mora National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plaza along the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali highway. They appealed to drivers of vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh, who were moving into Punjab, to contribute a “Khalsa tax.” This action is a direct response to the entry tax implemented by the Himachal Pradesh government on vehicles originating from outside the state.
Leading the demonstration, Nihang Achar Singh stated that the measure was necessitated by the perceived failure of both the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh governments to address the grievances of those impacted by the proposed entry tax. He asserted that the tax imposed on vehicles from Punjab is both illegal and unwarranted, and that the Nihang Sikhs had given the authorities a ten-day ultimatum to resolve the issue.
“We have been forced to take this step as both the Himachal and Punjab governments have turned a deaf ear to the plight of people suffering due to Himachal’s entry tax. The tax imposed on vehicles from Punjab is illegal and unjustified,” Achar Singh told reporters, warning that if no amicable solution emerged within the stipulated period, Nihang Sikhs would escalate their actions and enforce the “Khalsa tax” on Himachal-registered vehicles entering Punjab.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Sangharsh Committee have reiterated their firm opposition to the proposed levy and have vowed to continue their agitation until the Himachal Pradesh Government completely withdraws the tax. Speaking to protesters, committee leader Gaurav Rana emphasized that the entry tax is negatively affecting traders, transporters, farmers, and numerous ordinary citizens who frequently travel between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Rana articulated that the committee felt compelled to launch this agitation due to the perceived anti-people nature of the entry tax. He argued that it would impose an additional financial burden on residents of border areas whose livelihoods depend on interstate movement. “We have been left with no option but to launch this agitation. Himachal’s entry tax is anti-people and will place an additional financial burden on residents of border areas who depend on interstate movement for their livelihood,” Rana stated. He further highlighted the deep social and economic ties between thousands of families in both states, warning that the tax would create unnecessary impediments and adversely impact trade, tourism, and daily travel.
The protest against the entry tax has been steadily gaining momentum. On June 1, members of the Sangharsh Committee had orchestrated blockades on major roads leading to Himachal Pradesh as part of a coordinated demonstration. The movement has also garnered support from the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who reportedly characterized Himachal’s entry tax as “jazia,” drawing a parallel to the historical tax levied on non-Muslims during the Mughal era. Protesters maintain that the proposed tax is likely to deter tourists, inflate transportation costs, and negatively affect industries and businesses reliant on cross-border commerce.
Law enforcement personnel were stationed at the protest sites to ensure that law and order were maintained. Authorities were closely observing the unfolding situation as the blockade and symbolic tax collection campaign continued. Leaders of the protest movement have indicated their intention to persist with their campaign until the Himachal Pradesh Government rescinds the proposed entry tax.
The Chenab Times News Desk