Seeking release of Sikh prisoners, toll plaza made free for vehicles

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha organised a sit-in at all toll plazas in the state, demanding release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). As part of the protest, morcha workers on Monday freed the Ladhowal toll plaza here and the toll plaza near Samrala on the Chandigarh road.

Vehicles passed without paying toll during the protest.

Morcha members said they had been fighting for a long time but the Central Government was not releasing Sikh prisoners. As a result, they had given a call to make all toll plazas free across the state. Several farmer organisations also cooperated in the protest and took part in it.

The members of the morcha arrived at the Ladhowal toll barrier at 12 noon on Monday. They allowed the vehicles to pass freely without paying any toll fee till 3 pm. Senior police officials, led by ACP West Jatinderpal Singh, remained present at the spot to keep a watch over law and order situation.

“Those who have completed their sentences should be released from jails. These include prisoners who have been incarcerated for years but have not yet been legally released,” the protesters said.

The morcha workers, who were also carrying pictures of Sikh detainees, warned the Centre that if Sikh detainees were not released, they would intensify their protest and in days to come, they would again make toll barriers free for all.