Nihang group threatens permanent 'Khalsa toll' on Himachal vehicles in protest against entry tax

A prominent Nihang organisation has announced plans to permanently restart the 'Khalsa toll' on vehicles from Himachal Pradesh entering Punjab, if the two state governments do not address their grievances by June 20-21. The group, Shiromani Jarnail Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh (Nihang Singh Khalsa Dal), 96 Crori, based in Chamkaur Sahib, Ropar district, Punjab, had earlier conducted a symbolic tax-collection drive earlier this month.

Jathedar Baba Achhar Singh, the in-charge of the Anandpur Sahib constituency, stated that the toll collection would initially target Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles near Kiratpur Sahib, with plans to systematically expand to other border entry points. According to Baba Achhar Singh, neither the Punjab nor the Himachal Pradesh government has stepped forward to resolve the dispute or invite the organisation to dialogue, despite two months of escalating agitation against Himachal's steep entry tax policy. He maintained that the proposed counter-toll would remain strictly peaceful and that all collected funds would be directed into public welfare projects.

The 'Khalsa toll', also referred to by protesters as 'Khalsa tax – Sarbat da Bhala', is a symbolic toll-collection campaign. The organisers say it is not a commercial toll but a protest against Himachal Pradesh's entry tax on vehicles from other states. Money collected, they claim, will be used for "Sarbat da Bhala" (welfare of all) and public-service activities.

Unlike the symbolic drive conducted earlier this month, which sought contributions from vehicles regardless of their registration status, Baba Achhar Singh said the proposed permanent toll would target only Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles entering Punjab. He added that the collection would begin at one location near Kiratpur Sahib but could gradually be expanded to more than 40 entry points along the Punjab-Himachal border.

According to Baba Achhar Singh, no fixed amount has been decided. He claimed that vehicle owners would be requested to contribute voluntarily and that the collection would be carried out peacefully. “The government may consider it unlawful, but we have been left with no other option after waiting for over two months for a solution,” he said.

The controversy centres on Himachal Pradesh's entry tax and toll policy for out-of-state vehicles. Revised rates came into effect on April 1, leading to protests by transporters, traders, commuters and various organisations in Punjab. Protesters argue that the levy increases transportation costs and affects tourism, trade and daily movement across the Punjab-Himachal border. The issue has also received support from several social and religious groups.

Earlier, acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj reportedly described the Himachal levy as a 'Jaziya tax', while a Sangharsh committee led by Gaurav Rana has been spearheading protests against the policy. The Nihang group's announcement adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute.