Protesters Block Kiratpur-Manali Highway for Seven Hours Over Entry Tax Dispute

Original: Entry tax row: Protesters block Kiratpur-Manali highway for 7 hrs

Hindustan Times•Apr 5, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

Protesters, including farmers and taxi unions, blocked the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali national highway for nearly seven hours in response to a revised entry tax imposed by the Himachal Pradesh government. The tax was reduced from ₹130 to ₹100 for non-Himachal passenger vehicles, but tensions remain high as discussions continue between state officials and protesters.

Key Points

01Protesters blocked the Kiratpur-Manali highway for seven hours.
02The entry tax for non-Himachal vehicles was revised from ₹130 to ₹100.
03Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains warned of reciprocal tax measures.
04A meeting with finance and transport ministers is scheduled for Monday.
05The protest ended after assurances from government officials.

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Full Summary

Tensions escalated on the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border as protesters blocked the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali national highway for nearly seven hours over an entry tax dispute. The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, recently revised the entry tax for non-Himachal passenger vehicles from ₹130 to ₹100. Farmers and taxi unions initiated a 'chakka jam' at Kiratpur Sahib, causing a 20 km traffic jam and stranding thousands of commuters. Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains intervened, warning that Punjab might impose a reciprocal tax if the entry tax is not rolled back. He also announced plans to challenge the legality of the tax in the Supreme Court. A meeting with finance and transport minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Monday to further discuss the issue. The protest concluded around 4 PM after assurances were made by government officials.

Key Figures

₹100

Revised entry tax for non-Himachal passenger vehicles

20 km

Length of traffic jam caused by the protest

7 hours

Duration of the highway blockade

4 PM

Time protest was called off

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Why It Matters

The blockade caused significant delays for thousands of commuters, forcing many to take longer detours. The ongoing dispute may lead to further economic implications for transportation services in the region.

Who is affected

Commuters, taxi operators, and local businesses relying on road transport.

What to know

Commuters should stay informed about potential disruptions and consider alternative routes until the situation is resolved.

FAQ

The protest was prompted by the Himachal Pradesh government's imposition of an entry tax on non-Himachal vehicles, which was revised from ₹130 to ₹100.

The Punjab government considered imposing a reciprocal tax and announced plans to challenge the entry tax in the Supreme Court.

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