Sangharsh Committee blocks Kiratpur-Manali highway in Punjab over Himachal entry tax

Members of the Sangharsh Committee opposing the Himachal Pradesh entry tax on Monday blocked traffic on the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali National Highway, intensifying their agitation against the levy.

The blockade began at 11 am and, according to protest leaders, will continue till 3 pm. The protest forms part of a coordinated agitation announced earlier by the committee at 56 entry and exit points connecting Himachal Pradesh with neighbouring states.

Long queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway as commuters, tourists and transporters faced delays due to the road blockade.

Speaking at the protest site, Sangharsh Committee leader Gaurav Rana said the agitation would continue until the Himachal Pradesh government withdrew the proposed entry tax.

“We have been left with no option but to launch this agitation. The Himachal Pradesh entry tax is anti-people and will adversely affect traders, transporters, farmers and ordinary citizens who regularly travel between Punjab and Himachal,” he said.

Rana alleged that the tax would increase transportation costs and place an additional financial burden on people living in border areas who depend on inter-state movement for their livelihood.

Another committee leader said the protest was being conducted peacefully and appealed to the public to support the agitation.

“This is not merely an issue of taxation. Thousands of families in Punjab and Himachal share close social and economic ties. Imposing an entry tax will create unnecessary hurdles and affect trade, tourism and daily travel,” he said.

The protesters reiterated their demand that the immediate withdrawal of the proposed tax, claiming it would discourage tourism and negatively impact industries and businesses dependent on cross-border trade.

The blockade affected tourists heading towards popular destinations such as Manali, Bilaspur and Kullu, as well as disrupting the movement of commercial vehicles carrying goods between the two states. Several travellers were seen waiting on the highway as traffic remained suspended.

Committee members warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands were not addressed. They claimed that similar protests were being held at several border points connecting Himachal Pradesh with Punjab and Haryana.