Punjab Farmers Protest Against Land Policy and US Trade Agreement

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) coordinated protests at over 40 toll plazas in Punjab, opposing both a state land policy and a potential trade deal with the United States. The demonstrations took place between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, allowing vehicles to pass without charge. This action was organized under the leadership of Jagjit Singh Dallewal and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur).

The primary grievance of the protesters is Punjab's amended land pooling policy, which they claim is designed to transfer fertile agricultural land to corporate developers. The farmers argue that these policies endanger family-owned farmlands. Protesters gathered at major toll gates such as Kalajhar, Ladhowal, and Kurali, demanding a repeal of the policy and an investigation into alleged irregularities in the regional Land Mortgage Bank.

In addition to land issues, the demonstrations addressed concerns about the proposed India-US free trade agreement. Farmers fear that allowing tariff-free American agricultural imports could severely impact local smallholders by driving down domestic prices. This is particularly concerning for the dairy and poultry sectors, where many farmers depend on daily payouts as a financial safety net.

Union representatives have called for the exclusion of dairy, poultry, and primary agricultural sectors from trade discussions. They argue that the introduction of heavily subsidized American goods would be detrimental to Indian rural economies, which are already under strain from rising costs and narrow profit margins.

Organizers of the toll plaza protests warn of further and more extensive blockades if their demands are not addressed. They aim to protect India's family-farming model by linking local land acquisition disputes with international trade policy. Local authorities are monitoring the protests to manage the balance between public transit access and the ongoing economic demonstrations.