Farmers Make Ladowal Toll Plaza Free Amid Ongoing Protest in Punjab

Farmers in Punjab on Thursday made one of the state’s most expensive toll points, the Ladowal Toll Plaza, free for commuters as part of their ongoing protest. Several farmers’ organizations had called for a gathering at the site earlier in the day. Following the assembly, the protesters announced that toll collection would remain completely suspended for the public until their demands are met. The farmers have also staged a sit-in at the location. In view of the protest, heavy police deployment has been made at the toll plaza. Senior administrative officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation. The farmers stated that their protest is not limited to local concerns but also includes broader issues related to both the central and state governments. Their key demands include the enactment of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, justice and strict legal action in cases involving the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, and the withdrawal of FIRs registered against farmers during the ongoing protest at Shambhu Border. Leaders of the farmer groups said that the government has failed to address their concerns, prompting them to intensify their agitation. They added that while they do not intend to inconvenience the general public, they will allow vehicles to pass without paying toll tax, thereby causing financial losses to the authorities.