On Monday, farmers were seen protesting at the Ladowal Toll Plaza, the most expensive in Punjab, as well as at other tolls. Taranjit Singh Nimna, leader of the Azad Kisan Morcha, reached the toll plaza with his supporters and began a sit-in. During this time, the farmers made the toll free, so no charges were collected from vehicles from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As soon as information about the toll plaza being surrounded reached the authorities, police and administrative officials arrived at the scene. The officials tried to persuade the protesting farmers and stop them from making the toll free, but the farmers remained firm on their demands.
Speaking to the media, Tarnjit Singh Nimma said that farmers’ crops were destroyed during the floods, but appropriate compensation was not provided by the government. We have raised our voice before the central and state governments several times, but we were ignored.
The Governor gave time to meet in the evening
Today, when we have made tolls free across Punjab, the Governor has also given time to meet in the evening. If the demands of the farmers are not met, the struggle will be intensified. The farmers demand from the central and state government that all these issues be resolved as soon as possible.
Due to the sit-in, the situation at the toll plaza remained tense for some time, although the conditions were under control with the presence of the police.