Punjab transporters, farmers plan Saturday Kiratpur-Manali blockade over Himachal tax
Punjab's transporters and farmers are gearing up to block the Kiratpur-Manali Highway from Saturday morning.
They're protesting Himachal Pradesh's new vehicle entry tax, asking either for Punjab to hit back with a similar tax or for local vehicles from Rupnagar, Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Pathankot to be exempted.
If the government doesn't step in by Friday evening, expect major travel disruptions starting at 9:00am.
Harjot Singh Bains calls tax unjustified
Tensions have ramped up since Himachal raised its entry tax on April 1, affecting nearly 33 entry points.
Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains called the tax unjustified and promised state support for locals.
Talks are expected to be held within 10 days, but if things don't get sorted soon, movement and trade between Punjab and Himachal could take a real hit.