Ludhiana: Farmers under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday made three toll plazas in Ludhiana toll-free for three hours as part of their protest against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other pending demands.
The Ladowal, Gulal and Chowkiman toll plazas remained toll-free from 12 pm to 3 pm, allowing all vehicles to pass without paying toll charges.
Farmer leaders said internet services at the toll plazas were temporarily suspended during the protest, while details of passing vehicles were being recorded. They said if any vehicle owner later receives a toll deduction message, efforts would be made to have the charge reversed.
The protesters alleged that the Centre’s policies favour corporate interests at the expense of farmers, workers and employees. They also expressed concern that the proposed India-US FTA could adversely affect the agriculture sector.
Farmer organisations said several of their demands have remained pending for a long time and accused the government of failing to address their concerns. As part of the statewide protest, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha decided to hold peaceful demonstrations and keep toll plazas toll-free for a fixed period.
Large numbers of farmers gathered at the three toll plazas, raising slogans against the Central government while police and civil administration personnel remained deployed to maintain law and order.
Farmer leaders said their agitation would continue until the government seriously considers their demands and withdraws what they described as anti-farmer policies.
