Punjab Farmers Open Toll Plazas Across State, Protest Land Pooling Policy

Responding to a statewide call by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Siddhupur/Dallewal), farmers on Monday staged protests at several toll plazas across Punjab, allowing vehicles to pass without paying toll fees while demonstrating against the Punjab government's policies. The union had announced that toll plazas across the state would remain toll-free from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As part of the protest, farmers gathered at multiple highway toll points and organized demonstrations to press for their demands. At the Azizpur Toll Plaza on the Banur-Zirakpur National Highway, farmers began their protest at 11:00 a.m. and declared the toll plaza free for commuters. Several state-level union leaders, including Maan Singh Rajpura, Tarlochan Singh Nandiali, Gurmeet Singh Siyau, and other prominent representatives, were present during the demonstration. Protesters also raised slogans against the Punjab government while demanding action on issues affecting the farming community. Meanwhile, members of BKU (Dallewal), acting on a call from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, also staged a protest at the Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza on the Patiala-Rajpura Road. The toll plaza was opened for free vehicle movement during the agitation. The protest was led by district convener Jagdeep Singh Aloona, who strongly criticized the government's policies. The protesting farmers reiterated several key demands during the demonstrations. They opposed the Punjab government's Land Pooling Policy, alleging that it is against farmers' interests. They also sought immediate action over the alleged fraud involving Land Mortgage Banks and Primary Agricultural Development Banks (PADB). In addition, the unions demanded the introduction of a One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to help resolve farmers' outstanding bank loans. Farmer leaders also urged the government not to implement the proposed US-India Trade Agreement, claiming that the agreement would adversely affect the farming community. The protests remained focused on pressing these demands while toll plazas at the designated locations allowed vehicles to pass without collecting toll charges during the announced protest period.