Una, April 1: Traffic on the Una-Chandigarh National Highway came to a standstill for nearly three hours Wednesday as the ‘Entry Tax Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti’ staged a protest against recent tax hikes. The demonstration, held at the Mehatpur barrier on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border, targeted the state government’s decision to increase entry fees for vehicles.
The protest also affected the Ajouli barrier on the Nangal-Santoshgarh road, though officials noted that section was reopened by noon. The Sangharsh Samiti, comprised of residents from Mehatpur and Nangal, stated that the financial burden heavily impacts those who commute daily across state lines for employment and family obligations.
“Wednesday’s blockade was just symbolic,” a representative of the committee declared, adding that demonstrations will persist until the tax hike is rescinded. Following the disruption, Una SDM Abhishek Mittal ordered the diversion of traffic. Vehicles arriving from the Nangal side were rerouted through Ajouli and Santoshgarh, while traffic exiting Himachal Pradesh was sent via Bhatoli toward Nangal.
Despite the significant delay on the main highway, movement remained unaffected at the other nine inter-state barriers in Una district. Officials maintained that major transit points such as Marwari, Polian, and Gagret continued to operate normally throughout the day.
