Farmers in Punjab intensified their protests on Thursday, burning effigies of the BJP in response to the recent developments. The protests, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, center around demands for a legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, among other issues.

The protests took place at various locations, including the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, Amritsar, and Moga. Farmers expressed their determination to continue the agitation until their demands are met.

One of the key points of contention is the Haryana Government’s recent decision to recommend gallantry medals for six police officials, recognized for their role in preventing farmers from heading to Delhi during the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement in February, this year. The government's recommendations to the Centre include the names of three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and three Haryana Police Service officers for the “police medal for gallantry.”

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher condemned the Haryana Government's decision. “Police officers are being rewarded for stopping farmers from going to Delhi by using force,” Pandher said, highlighting that the Haryana Police had used teargas shells and rubber bullets against farmers during their attempt to march towards Delhi.

The six officers were stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where they played a significant role in halting the farmers' march towards the national capital. The protesting farmers have been camping at these border points since February 13, when security forces initially stopped their "Delhi Chalo" march.

During the protests on Thursday, farmers raised slogans against the Centre and the Haryana government. Pandher reiterated the commitment of the farmers to continue their agitation. "The agitation will continue till the demands of farmers and labourers are not met," he asserted.

The protests have seen significant clashes in the past. On February 21, a young farmer from Bathinda, Shubhkaran Singh, was killed, and many police personnel were injured during confrontations at the Khanauri border on the Punjab-Haryana boundary.

The ongoing agitation highlights the deep-seated grievances of the farming community and their resolve to fight for their rights, despite the challenges and opposition they face.