For over a week, farmers under the banner of the Road Sangharsh Committee have stalled work on the under-construction Bharatmala highway project across 12 villages in Barnala district. This is being done as part of an indefinite protest seeking higher compensation for acquired land.Kulwant Singh, president of the committee, said the agitation was backed by several farmer groups and local organisations. “We are holding an indefinite protest in all 12 villages where land has been acquired. We are demanding Rs 80 lakh per acre, on a par with adjoining Ludhiana district, but we have been offered only Rs 58 lakh per acre,” he said.He said the initial compensation was Rs 50 lakh per acre and was increased by Rs 8 lakh only after a legal battle. “We will not allow work to resume until we receive a written assurance of Rs 80 lakh per acre,” he asserted.According to the committee, around 500 acres have been acquired for the project in Barnala district, including land in Gagewal, Ramgarh, Vidhate, Moom and Gehal villages. “It was also decided that farmers whose land was split into two parts due to the project would be given Rs 9 lakh per acre, but no compensation has been paid so far,” the committee claimed.Farmers said the dispute dates back to 2021.‘Want Ludhiana rates’Barnala Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh said the farmers were seeking compensation at rates applicable in Ludhiana. “The base rate in Ludhiana has reportedly increased, and they want similar rates here. However, compensation in Barnala has been calculated as per the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, which differs from their demand,” he said.