Farmers in Punjab have intensified their agitation over the Ladowal toll plaza near Ludhiana, warning of large-scale protests if their demands are not met. Farmer groups have announced that they may burn an effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah as part of their protest campaign while demanding that the toll plaza be made toll-free for commuters.
The announcement has increased tensions in the area, with farmer organisations accusing authorities of ignoring long-standing demands related to infrastructure and flood-damage repairs. Local administration officials have appealed for calm while discussions continue with protest leaders.
Farmers demand toll plaza be made free
Farmer unions have been protesting at the Ladowal toll plaza for several weeks. Their main demand is that vehicles should be allowed to pass without paying toll until the government resolves issues related to damaged infrastructure in nearby villages.
Farm leaders say that the Dhussi embankment near Sasrali Colony on the Sutlej River was damaged during floods, causing heavy losses to farmers’ crops and land. However, they claim that repair work has not started despite repeated assurances from authorities.
Due to frustration over the delay, farmers have repeatedly allowed vehicles to cross the toll plaza without paying toll fees as a form of protest.
Effigy burning protest announced
As part of their escalating agitation, farmer leaders have announced plans to burn the effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the protest in Ludhiana. They say the step is meant to draw attention to what they describe as the government’s failure to address the concerns of farmers and local residents.
Protest organisers claim that several memorandums were submitted to district authorities demanding immediate repair of the embankment and improvement of Rahon Road, which they say is in poor condition.
Farmer groups have warned that if the administration continues to delay action, the protest movement could intensify in the coming days.
Administration monitoring situation
Local authorities and the district administration are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any law-and-order issues. Officials have stated that talks with farmer leaders are ongoing and efforts are being made to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The administration has also urged protesters not to resort to extreme measures such as blocking roads or damaging public property.
Police presence around the toll plaza and nearby areas has been increased as a precautionary step.
Long-standing grievances behind protest
Farmer organisations say their agitation is not limited to toll collection alone. They claim that multiple issues affecting rural communities have remained unresolved for months.
According to farmer leaders, the breach of the Dhussi embankment during floods caused severe damage to farmland and infrastructure. They also argue that the condition of nearby roads has worsened due to incomplete construction work.
Because of these issues, farmers and residents believe that the government should temporarily suspend toll collection until the problems are addressed.
Protest likely to intensify if demands ignored
Farmer leaders have warned that if their demands are not fulfilled soon, they will expand their agitation and organise larger demonstrations in the region.
They also stated that more protest actions could be planned across Punjab to highlight the issues faced by farmers and rural communities.
Meanwhile, authorities hope that dialogue between the administration and farmer representatives will lead to a peaceful resolution of the dispute and prevent further escalation of the protest.