Protest Erupts Over Entry Tax Hike in Himachal Pradesh

Tensions arose at Himachal Pradesh's borders on Wednesday due to a revised vehicle entry tax, prompting protests and traffic disruptions. Despite an announced rollback by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, uncertainties remain over taxation policies. Officials pledged to resolve the issue within ten days, and traffic eventually resumed.

Tension surged at the borders of Himachal Pradesh with Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday, following the implementation of a revised entry tax for vehicles. This move sparked protests and disrupted traffic at several locations.

Protestors, primarily from Punjab, conducted a 'chaka jam' at the Garmoda toll on the Kirathpur-Nerchowk road in Bilaspur district. They demanded exemptions for vehicles registered in border districts, questioning the necessity of the entry tax after a rollback announcement by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Authorities assured protestors that their grievances would be conveyed to higher officials, proposing a ten-day period to address the issues. Protests affected traffic at numerous entry points, with some routes being diverted. The situation has prompted police deployment at various sites to maintain order.