Shimla, March 31
Tensions are rising along the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border over an increase in entry tax, with transport unions in Punjab warning of a blockade from Tuesday night that could disrupt traffic and affect law and order in border areas. The warning comes amid growing political protests in Himachal Pradesh, where the opposition BJP has demanded that the state government immediately withdraw the revised entry tax.
Before the start of Assembly proceedings on Tuesday, BJP legislators staged a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, accusing the government of taking a hasty decision that could trigger confrontation between people living on both sides of the border. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said the issue had already created tension between residents of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, particularly in border regions where protests have intensified.
He accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s government of taking decisions “without proper thought”, saying the burden was now falling on ordinary people and transport operators.
Thakur warned that if the situation was not resolved, vehicles from Himachal Pradesh could face retaliation at entry points connected to Punjab, leading to severe inconvenience for commuters and traders, and potentially affecting public order.
The BJP has also demanded that the state government withdraw the proposed cess on petrol and diesel, arguing that the move would further increase the burden on residents already facing financial pressure.
Separately, Thakur welcomed the Centre’s financial assistance of Rs 3,920 crore to Himachal Pradesh under the “Pride of Hills” scheme, calling it a major relief at a time when the state’s finances remain under strain. He said the 50-year interest-free support from the central government would provide crucial help for development projects in the hill state.
The row over entry tax is now emerging as a politically sensitive issue, with fears that any escalation at the Punjab-Himachal border could disrupt transport movement and deepen tensions between neighbouring communities.
