National/ Punjab Desk
17 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) protested today at 25 toll plazas across 14 districts in Punjab, expressing their dissatisfaction over the non-purchase of paddy in the state’s mandis. Farmers have taken a firm stand at these toll plazas and made them slip-free for an indefinite period.
Thousands of farmers, laborers, including women and youth, participated in the protests. The farmers’ organization warned that if the uninterrupted purchase and payment of paddy do not begin soon, they will start permanent marches from tomorrow (October 18) in front of the houses of AAP MLAs, MPs, ministers, and BJP leaders.
During the protests, the farmers demanded that the government address the shortage of paddy sold at low prices and ensure it is bought at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). They criticized both the Central and Punjab governments for ignoring their demands, accusing them of favoring corporate interests linked to the World Trade Organization, which harms small and medium farmers.
The protesters emphasized that corporate-controlled toll plazas had been blocked as part of their movement, and the protest also saw participation from members of the Ex-Servicemen Revolutionary Union Punjab in several locations.