RUPNAGAR: The agitation against Himachal Pradesh’s vehicle entry tax is heading toward a major escalation as the 10-day ultimatum served by protesters to the Punjab and Himachal governments ends on June 15. Members of the Sangarsh Morcha and Nihang Sikhs are scheduled to meet on Monday to finalise their next course of action.
Sources within the movement indicated that if both state governments fail to provide a concrete resolution by the deadline, the agitation could be intensified across multiple locations along the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border.
The protest gained significant traction on June 3 when Nihang Sikhs blockaded the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali highway, imposing a symbolic “Khalsa tax” on Himachal-registered vehicles. Termed as a retaliatory measure against Himachal’s entry tax on Punjab residents, the protesters had asked Himachal vehicle owners to make voluntary contributions.
Indicating a shift in strategy, baseline leaders suggested that the next phase of the stir will move past symbolic demonstrations. Sources revealed that a section of the Sangarsh Morcha is pushing to directly target ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in Punjab, accusing the state government of abandoning the public on this issue.
Confirming the scheduled meet, Sangarsh Morcha leader Gaurav Rana said, “Some leaders have proposed targeting ruling party leaders for failing to support the people of the state. However, the final strategy will only be cleared after the joint meeting on June 15.”
Another prominent leader of the agitation, Paramjit Singh Pamma, launched a direct attack on the Punjab government for its inaction. He pointed out that the Nangal Municipal Council had passed a resolution on June 9, 2025, seeking a reciprocal tax on Himachal-registered vehicles, but it has been gathering dust at the Directorate of Local Government for nearly a year.
Pamma noted that the Local Government Department falls under Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who represents the Anandpur Sahib constituency—the central hub of the current protests. “The minister needs to clear his stand. He must tell the public whether he stands with them on this issue or not,” Pamma demanded.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the matter is actively under the state government’s consideration. He expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved amicably through bilateral dialogue between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Defending his record, AAP MLA from Rupnagar, Dinesh Chadha, stated that he has been consistently echoing the concerns of the public. “I have raised my voice against Himachal’s entry tax on multiple occasions, including on the floor of the Punjab Assembly. The matter is being considered at the highest level, and I hope a solution emerges soon,” Chadha said.
The entry tax has become a highly sensitive flashpoint in Punjab’s border towns, particularly across the Anandpur Sahib-Nangal belt. Local residents, traders, and transporters have repeatedly protested against the daily financial toll it extracts from those frequently crossing over to the neighbouring hill state.
