Kiratpur Sahib:- Nihang Singh organizations have today started a ‘Khalsa Tax’ campaign on Kiratpur-Manali National Highway in protest against the entry taxes imposed by the Himachal Pradesh government in the border areas. This symbolic action was taken under the leadership of Baba Achchar Singh Mahakal near Gran Morha Toll Plaza.
It may be recalled that on June 1, farmer organizations, taxi unions, residents of border areas and Nihang organizations had protested by stopping traffic for four hours in protest against the entry taxes in Himachal. On that occasion, Nihang Singhs had announced that if the Himachal government does not withdraw this tax, ‘Khalsa Tax’ slips will be cut for vehicles coming from Himachal to Punjab.
Today, implementing this announcement, Nihang organizations issued slips for vehicles coming from Himachal. However, no fixed amount was fixed and contributions of Rs 10, 20, 50 or 100 were taken as per the wishes of the vehicle drivers. The organizations say that the amount collected will be used for the welfare of all and for the assistance of the needy.
Meanwhile, a heavy police force under the leadership of Police Station Chief Rahul Sharma remained deployed at the spot. The police administration appealed to the Nihang Singhs to maintain law and order by talking to them and monitoring the situation.
Baba Achchar Singh Mahakal said that this dharna and the ‘Khalsa Tax’ campaign are a symbolic step to wake up the Himachal government. He said that the struggle will continue till the entry taxes imposed in the border areas are abolished.
Till the time of writing the news, talks were going on between the police administration and the Nihang organizations. During this, many vehicle drivers also voluntarily contributed for the welfare of all.