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Ludhiana: Farmers protest at Ladhowal toll over compensation delay
On May 4, 2026, farmers at the Ladhowal toll plaza held a toll-free protest for three hours to demand timely compensation for crop losses. Azad Kisan Morcha Punjab led 16 farmer groups, citing delays and asserting losses from floods, unseasonal rain, and other calamities, including issues affecting tenant farmers and embankments.
Why It Matters
The protest underscores dissatisfaction with relief timelines and could signal potential escalation if demands are not addressed.
Timeline
4 Events
Protest leaders warn of intensified agitation if demands not addressed
May 4, 2026
Leaders warned that if the government failed to address the issue promptly, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days. A large number of farmer representatives and activists remained at the site.
Governor invites farmer leaders for talks in Chandigarh
May 4, 2026
During the protest, farmer representatives said they had been invited by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for talks in Chandigarh, indicating the possibility of discussions on their demands.
Farmers protest at Ladhowal toll plaza with toll-free pass
May 4, 2026
Members of Azad Kisan Morcha Punjab and 16 farmer groups gathered at the Ladhowal toll plaza and allowed vehicles to pass without toll from 11 am to 2 pm, protesting delays in compensation. They said standing paddy crops were damaged during floods, unseasonal rain and other natural calamities caused further losses, and raised concerns that tenant farmers and damage to temporary embankments had not been compensated or accounted.
April 30 deadline for crop-compensation announced by government
April 30, 2026
The government had announced that compensation for crop damage would be released by April 30, but no relief had reached affected farmers as of May 4.