Punjab-Himachal Borders Choked: Major transit routes between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh ground to a halt on Wednesday morning as protesters escalated their campaign against a controversial entry tax, defying the state government’s recent move to lower the fees.
Demonstrators staged sit-ins at critical bottlenecks, including the Nangal-Una road near the Mehatpur toll barrier and the Chandigarh-Manali highway at Kiratpur Sahib. The blockades triggered massive traffic snarls, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for hours.
The agitation, led by Sangarsh Morcha president Paramjit Singh Pamma at Mehatpur and Gaurav Rana at Kiratpur Sahib, centers on a demand for the total abolition of the levy. Both leaders characterized the tax as an “unjust financial burden” on Punjab residents who frequently cross the border.
Confusion and Overcharging at Toll Plazas
The protests intensified despite an eleventh-hour notification from the Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday evening, which purportedly slashed the entry tax from Rs 170 to Rs 100.
However, the transition on the ground has been marred by chaos. Commuters alleged that private contractors at toll barriers ignored the new directive, continuing to demand the original Rs 170 fee. Frustrated travelers took to social media to share photos of toll slips as evidence of the overcharging, further stoking public resentment in border towns.
Political Friction Ignites
The standoff has taken a sharp political turn. Ropar’s AAP MLA, Dinesh Chadha, took to social media to slam both the Himachal Pradesh administration and the Punjab Congress leadership.
Chadha claimed that Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had previously suggested to Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring that the tax would be dropped to Rs 70. When the official notification settled on Rs 100 instead, Chadha accused Congress leaders of “prematurely” claiming victory.
“It appears that Congress leaders rushed to thank the Himachal government prematurely,” Chadha stated. “The AAP’s stand is clear: this entry tax is illegal and should be abolished completely.”
Commuters Caught in the Crossfire
As the Sangarsh Morcha maintained its blockade throughout the morning, long queues of trucks, tourist buses, and private cars lined the highways. While some travelers attempted to navigate narrow rural detours, many remained stuck as protesters vowed to dig in until the tax is withdrawn entirely.
The unrest underscores a deepening rift between border-area residents and the Himachal Pradesh administration. With authorities yet to address the discrepancies in toll collection or provide a fresh clarification, the situation remains volatile, threatening to disrupt interstate trade and movement in the days ahead.
