The entry tax dispute between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh escalated on Saturday as a group of Nihang Singhs issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Punjab government. They warned that if no action is taken, they would set up encampments along the inter-state border and impose a reciprocal levy on Himachal-registered vehicles.
Gathering at Moura Toll Plaza
At a gathering at Moura toll plaza near Kiratpur Sahib, Nihang Singhs led by Baba Achchhar Singh declared that after the deadline, they would establish camps with horses and carts at key border points. Vehicles from Himachal would be charged an amount equivalent to the entry fee currently imposed on Punjab vehicles entering the hill state.
Calling it a matter of "honour and rights," Baba Achchhar Singh said Punjab residents were being harassed. "This is not merely a tax issue. We will not tolerate the harassment of our travellers," he stated.
Background of the Dispute
The row follows Himachal Pradesh's decision, effective April 1, to sharply increase entry charges under the HP Tolls Act, 1975. Gaurav Rana, who has been part of the agitation, explained that entry charges for private five-seater vehicles from other states rose from Rs 70 to Rs 170, while commercial vehicles faced increases of up to Rs 800. Rana noted that residents of Punjab's border areas who commute daily to Himachal Pradesh for work could end up paying nearly Rs 4,000 a month. He also claimed that Himachal Pradesh is the only state imposing such a levy on out-of-state vehicles, and that the state expects to generate over Rs 170 crore through the revised tolls this fiscal.
Protest Suspended After Assurances
The protest at Moura toll plaza, which lasted about seven hours and saw toll collection suspended, was called off around 7:30 pm after NHAI authorities assured in writing that the matter had been taken up with the Himachal government regarding permissions for the toll barrier at Gara Maura on NH-205.
Political Response
The issue has also reached the Punjab Assembly, where Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the government is examining the possibility of imposing a similar levy on Himachal vehicles entering Punjab.
Protesters expressed cautious optimism after talks with ministers but warned that stronger steps would follow if the tax is not withdrawn. With Nihang Singhs joining the agitation and the deadline set, focus is now on the Punjab government's next move.
