Chandigarh: Nihang Singh organisations have announced an intensified agitation against the entry tax being collected at various border points in Himachal Pradesh, warning that they may reintroduce a traditional “Khalsa Tax” on the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali highway from June 21 if the issue remains unresolved.
Representatives of the Nihang groups associated with Misal Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Chamkaur Sahib, said they were compelled to make the announcement after failing to receive a satisfactory response from the administration.
Speaking to reporters, Mahakal Baba Achhar Singh alleged that the local administration had invited them for a meeting at noon but no responsible official arrived despite a long wait. Expressing disappointment over the development, he said the organisations would no longer hold discussions with local authorities and would instead seek direct talks with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann or Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
The Nihang leaders described the Himachal Pradesh entry tax as an unfair financial burden on devotees and travellers coming from Punjab and other states. They termed the levy a “Jazia” and “extortion-like tax”, claiming it was adversely affecting people visiting the hill state.
The organisations stated that the proposed “Khalsa Tax” would not involve any compulsory collection of money from travellers. Instead, contributions would be accepted voluntarily as service donations, which, they claimed, would be used for public welfare and charitable activities aimed at the well-being of society.
The leaders maintained that a meaningful solution must be found at the government level, as the matter involves inter-state concerns affecting a large number of commuters and pilgrims.
