Traffic movement on key roads connecting Punjab to Himachal Pradesh came to a standstill on Wednesday morning as protesters intensified their agitation against the entry tax imposed by the Himachal Pradesh government. Demonstrators staged dharnas and blocked vehicular movement at two major points, leading to long traffic snarls and inconvenience for commuters.The protesters blocked the Nangal–Una road near the Mehatpur toll barrier in Himachal Pradesh and the Chandigarh–Manali highway near Kiratpur Sahib. Raising slogans against the tax, they said the blockade would continue until the levy is completely withdrawn.At Mehatpur, the protest was led by Sangarsh Morcha president Paramjit Singh Pamma, while at Kiratpur Sahib, it was spearheaded by Gaurav Rana. Both leaders accused the Himachal Pradesh government of imposing an unjust financial burden on people from neighbouring Punjab.Despite the state government’s announcement of a reduction in the entry tax, confusion prevailed at toll barriers. Contractors continued to charge Rs 170 from vehicles registered outside the state, even though an official notification stated that the fee had been reduced. Several vehicle owners shared toll slips on social media showing Rs 170 being collected, further fuelling resentment among residents of border areas.The issue escalated after the Himachal Pradesh government issued a notification late Tuesday evening stating that the entry tax had been reduced from Rs 170 to Rs 100. However, protesters alleged that the reduction was not being implemented uniformly on the ground. Many commuters complained of being overcharged, leading to anger and mistrust.Adding a political dimension, Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha criticised both the Himachal Pradesh government and Punjab Congress leaders. In a statement posted on social media, Chadha claimed that Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had earlier indicated during a phone conversation with Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring that the tax would be reduced to Rs 70.However, the official notification mentioned a reduction only to Rs 100. Chadha alleged that Punjab Congress leaders were quick to claim credit for the reduction without verifying the actual decision.“It appears that Congress leaders rushed to thank the Himachal government prematurely. The AAP’s stand is clear this entry tax is illegal and should be abolished completely,” he said.Meanwhile, members of the Sangarsh Morcha continued their blockade, disrupting traffic for several hours. Long queues of vehicles were seen stranded on both sides of the protest sites, with many commuters forced to take alternative routes or wait for hours.The ongoing agitation highlights growing tensions between residents of Punjab’s border areas and the Himachal Pradesh administration. Protesters have warned that if the tax is not withdrawn entirely, the agitation could intensify in the coming days, potentially affecting interstate movement and trade.Authorities have yet to issue a fresh clarification regarding the discrepancy in toll charges, leaving commuters uncertain and the situation volatile.