In a demonstration of dissent, farmers in Punjab closed down a toll plaza situated between Patiala district’s Patran and Sangrur district’s Khanauri on Wednesday. Members of the Kirti Kisan Union, led by Daljit Singh, arrived at the toll plaza early in the morning and initiated the movement to allow vehicles to pass without paying toll charges.
The toll plaza closure stems from discontent over the increased toll rates and the alleged refusal to grant exemptions to residents of nearby villages. According to Daljit Singh, the District Secretary of Kirti Kisan Union, information had reached them that toll rates at the Patran-Khanauri road toll plaza had been raised. Residents of surrounding villages were reportedly being charged toll without any exemptions.
Daljit Singh explained that the company operating the toll plaza has been collecting toll fees beyond the prescribed rates from motorists for an extended period. In protest against this alleged exploitation, farmers have staged a sit-in at the toll plaza. The farmers claim that the company’s management has been unreasonably collecting higher toll fees from drivers.
Upon receiving information about the farmers’ protest, the police promptly arrived at the toll plaza to address the situation. Police officials engaged in discussions with leaders of the Kirti Kisan Union, attempting to persuade them to lift the protest. The dialogue between the police officers and union representatives is ongoing as both sides work towards a resolution.
The closure of the toll plaza has disrupted normal toll collection operations, and the authorities are striving to find a middle ground to end the standoff.
