Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today condemned the symbolic ‘Khalsa Tax’ imposed by Nihang Sikhs on Himachal-registered vehicles entering Punjab through the Manali-Kiratpur highway. “It is wrong, illegal and irrational. We condemn it, and the Punjab Government should look into the matter,” Negi said.
Addressing a press conference here today, Negi said there appeared to be a conspiracy behind the imposition of the ‘Khalsa Tax’.
“A few days ago, some youths from Punjab created ruckus in Kasol and fired at a local youth with an unlicensed weapon. Soon after that incident, this ‘Khalsa Tax’ cropped up at the border. It appears to be part of a well thought-out conspiracy,” he said.
The Nihang Sikhs, while collecting the symbolic tax on Wednesday, said that the action was taken in response to the entry tax levied on vehicles registered outside Himachal Pradesh when they enter the state.
However, the minister clarified that the entry tax has been in existence for a long time. “This tax is not being charged for the first time. It was in force during previous governments as well, including those led by the BJP. Every government has the right to decide what kind of taxes it wants to impose,” he said.
Negi further said that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had already spoken to the Punjab Government regarding the issue and that action against the practice was expected soon.
