Dharamshala/Shimla/ Patiala, April 2 -- Tension prevailed at Himachal Pradesh's borders with Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday after the revised entry tax for vehicles came into effect, triggering protests and traffic disruptions at multiple points. Members of taxi unions, Kirti Kisan Union and local residents participated in the protests. Heated arguments broke out between protesters and commuters as chaos prevailed on the highways. The blockade led to traffic snarls, with long queues of vehicles at entry points, causing significant inconvenience to the public. Protesters blocked two key entry points-the Chandigarh-Dharamshala highway at Mehatpur in Una district and the Kiratpur-Manali highway at Garamora in Bilaspur district. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) were forced to cancel several of its regular routes due to the situation, affecting passenger movement. Buses were diverted, increasing both travel time and fares. Residents from Nangal and Mehatpur joined the blockade, forcing police to divert traffic through alternative routes. Traffic movement was restored a few hours later, around 2 pm, after protesters submitted a memorandum to the local administration. Protesters at Garamora demanded exemption for vehicles registered in border districts. Traffic was restored later after local administration officials held a meeting with the protesters. "The protesters have given an ultimatum of 10 days to take a final decision, failing which they will resume their agitation. They have demanded the complete removal of the entry tax," said a senior police officer in Bilaspur. The protest follows the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government's decision on Tuesday to set a Rs.100 entry fee for non-Himachal passenger vehicles (up to 12+1 capacity). This revised figure was intended to quell backlash after an initial proposal to hike the fee from Rs.70 to Rs.130 sparked an inter-state row. Neighbouring Punjab had previously threatened to ban Himachal-registered vehicles and impose retaliatory taxes in response to the sharp tax increase. Leaders of the Azad Taxi Union in Rupnagar district alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government had reneged on its assurance. "Despite the announcement by the HP government, entrants are being charged Rs.170 instead of Rs.100. We have green tax slips of Rs.170 issued on Wednesday. This shows that all the announcements by leaders are mere lies," said Pradeep Singh Shekhpur of Azad Taxi Union. Meanwhile, in Sirmaur district, the Sirmaur Truck Operators Union also protested against the increased entry tax. They staged a sit-in at the barrier. During the protest, union members stopped trucks on the Yamuna River bridge, temporarily disrupting traffic. Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha criticised both the Himachal Pradesh government and the Punjab Congress leaders. "Our stand is very clear: this entry tax is illegal and should be abolished completely," he said CM Sukhu dismissed allegations of arbitrary hikes, asserting that the government had only rationalised existing rates. "There has been no increase. In fact, in some categories, taxes have been reduced. Minor adjustments were made to address technical issues related to FASTag," said the CM while talking to mediapersons after the assembly session on Wednesday. Acknowledging reports of confusion at certain border check-posts, Sukhu assured of corrective steps. "If there is any misunderstanding, it will be resolved. There is no intention to burden people or create inter-state tension. Punjab and Haryana are our brotherly states," he said. Chandigarh Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday slammed the Himachal Pradesh Congress government over the entry tax on vehicles from outside the state and warned of reciprocal tax. Speaking to reporters, Mann said his government shut toll plazas at several places in Punjab, and the move stands to benefit HP-registered vehicles as well. "We are saving their money, but they are imposing tax on our (Punjab) vehicles. We will watch for some time. Otherwise, we also know how to impose tax," the chief minister said. Mann also took a swipe at the Punjab Congress leaders for their silence on the matter....