Punjab-Himachal border protest: Sangharsh Committee blocks Kiratpur-Manali Highway over proposed entry tax

PTC Web Desk: Members of the Sangharsh Committee on Monday staged a protest against the proposed Himachal Pradesh entry tax by blocking traffic on the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali National Highway.

The protest started around 11 am. Due to the blockade, long queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway, causing inconvenience to tourists, transporters and daily commuters.

The protest is part of a larger agitation announced by the committee at 56 entry and exit points linked with Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Protesters said the agitation would continue until the Himachal Pradesh Government withdraws the proposed tax.

They said the entry tax would badly affect traders, farmers, transporters and people living in border areas who regularly travel between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh for work and business. The tax could also increase transportation expenses and put extra financial pressure on common people.

Another committee member said the protest was peaceful and appealed to the public to support the movement. He added that Punjab and Himachal Pradesh share strong social and business ties  and the tax could create problems for trade, tourism and daily travel.

The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposed tax, saying it could negatively affect tourism and industries dependent on cross-border trade.

The blockade disrupted the movement of vehicles heading towards tourist destinations such as Manali, Bilaspur and Kullu. Commercial vehicles carrying goods between the two states were also affected.

The Sangharsh Committee warned that the agitation could intensify if the government does not respond to their demands. Protesters claimed that similar demonstrations were taking place at several border points connected to Punjab and Haryana.

Police personnel remained deployed at the site to maintain law and order.