Escalating their agitation against the entry tax imposed by the Himachal Pradesh government on vehicles entering the hill state, Nihang Singh organisations have announced that they will begin collecting a ‘Khalsa tax’ from vehicles bearing Himachal Pradesh registration numbers entering Punjab from June 21 if the issue remains unresolved.
The announcement was made by Nihang Singh Achar Singh who is spearheading the ongoing protest against the Himachal government’s decision to levy entry fees on vehicles at several inter-state barriers. The Nihang Singhs have been demanding the complete withdrawal of the tax, alleging that it causes inconvenience to Punjab residents, pilgrims and traders who frequently travel to Himachal Pradesh.
Nihang leaders said the deadline given to both the Punjab and Himachal governments for resolving the dispute would expire on June 21. They claimed that despite repeated representations and protests, no concrete solution had emerged. As a result, they have decided to initiate what they termed a ‘Khalsa tax’ on Himachal registered vehicles entering Punjab.
The announcement is expected to further intensify tensions over the issue, which has emerged as a major point of contention in border areas adjoining Himachal Pradesh. Protesters argue that while Punjab residents are required to pay entry fees at multiple locations in Himachal, vehicles from the neighbouring state continue to enter Punjab without any such charges.
The agitation has been gaining momentum over the past several months, with Nihang Singh groups symbolically imposing Khalsa tax on Himachal vehicles on Kiratpur Sahib Manali road on June 3. The Nihang Singhs asked the Himachal registered vehicles to voluntarily pay Khalsa tax on Punjab Himachal border on Kitarpur Sahib Manali road.
The imposition of Khalsa tax on Himachal vehicles had evoked political response from Himachal government with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu taking up that matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The issue has also attracted political attention in Punjab. State Education and Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains had recently stated that the matter was under the consideration of the government and expressed hope that discussions between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh would help resolve the dispute. However, no official breakthrough has been announced so far.
With the June 21 deadline approaching, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in border districts where any attempt to collect taxes from vehicles could lead to law and order challenges. Police and civil administration officials are expected to hold meetings in the coming days to assess the situation and make necessary arrangements.
The Nihang Singhs have reiterated that their proposed action is intended to exert pressure on the authorities and secure relief for Punjab residents.
