The Ladhowal Toll Plaza, one of the busiest in Punjab, was made free for two hours on Tuesday as part of a statewide protest organized by the Quami Insaaf Morcha. The protest demanded the release of Sikh prisoners. The toll was waived from 12 noon to 2 pm.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu Addresses Protest
Navjot Kaur Sidhu, speaking at the protest site, stated that she has been supporting the cause from the beginning and had previously marched to the Chief Minister's residence. She lamented that the Chief Minister was not listening, emphasizing that the issue is not political but a humanitarian demand raised by farmers and the united front.
Sidhu noted that the prisoners have already completed their sentences, and their families have endured immense suffering, yet parole is being denied. She stressed that these individuals are not criminals and pose no threat to society.
Call for Government Intervention
Sidhu urged the Chief Minister to raise the issue with the Prime Minister, pointing out that many prisoners remain behind bars simply because no one has come forward to seek parole or bail for them. She called for a review of such cases so that long-confined prisoners can be released and reunited with their families.
Members of the morcha stated that their demands are straightforward and solutions exist. They reminded the government of its earlier assurance that there would be no need to protest as the authorities would listen directly. However, they argued that people are being forced to protest on roads in scorching heat, leaving their homes, only to demand the release of prisoners. They said it is the government's duty to listen.
Intensification of Protests
The morcha workers said they have been staging protests for years to press for the release of Sikh prisoners, but the Central Government has ignored them. They alleged that parole is not even being granted, and to make their voice heard in Delhi, the morcha has decided to intensify the protest.
The administration and police remained on high alert, deploying heavy forces at toll plazas to prevent any untoward incident and maintain peace. The morcha issued a stern warning that if their demands are not met soon, the agitation will take a more severe form. They announced plans for a statewide 'Rail Roko' movement on July 4 and a march to gherao the Punjab Governor's residence on Independence Day.
Commuters Happy
Commuters expressed happiness over the free passage. Narain Aggarwal, a commuter, said, 'I read in the newspaper that the Toll Plaza will be made free for two hours on Tuesday, hence planned my visit to Phillaur. It is just 15 km away but we have to pay a heavy toll fee. Tuesday was the best day as I was relieved from paying the toll fee.'
Another commuter, Manreet, added, 'It was a pleasant surprise to see vehicles passing by without barricades at the Toll Plaza. I was happy that the toll was made free on Tuesday.'
