49 toll plazas in Punjab to remain free for 3 hours today: Here’s why

“They are not even being granted parole, which is their fundamental right. We will be freeing the toll plazas today to wake up the governments from its deep slumber. They cannot deny the basic rights of the Sikh prisoners,” said France.

Among the major toll plazas that the protesting activists will make free of toll collection are the Ladhowal toll plaza on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, the Kurali toll plaza in Mohali, and the Balachaur toll plaza.

The protesting activists will not allow the toll plaza staff to collect toll from commuters, and vehicles will be allowed to pass without any barricade, as a mark of protest, causing monetary losses of crores of rupees to the state exchequer in just three hours. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)’s Ladhowal toll plaza in Ludhiana is among the costliest in the state.

France added that labour and farmers’ unions will also participate in the protests at the toll plazas.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been actively campaigning for justice concerning the release of Sikh prisoners, the 2015 sacrilege incidents, and the Behbal Kalan firing cases. Since January 2023, the Morcha has maintained a permanent protest in Mohali. Supporters have marched toward Chandigarh and held protests, while in Bargari and nearby areas, they have organised protests addressing the 2015 sacrilege incidents.