Ken-Betwa Protest: Amit Bhatnagar ends 18-day hunger strike after government assurance

Activist Amit Bhatnagar concluded his 18-day hunger strike on Thursday saying the Madhya Pradesh government had promised to add those who had been excluded from the rehabilitation programme of the Ken-Betwa river linking project.

Since July 4, Bhatnagar, a member of Jai Kisan Sangathan, had been demanding protests against the Ken-Batwa project, which has a total cost of over Rs 44,000 crore. Protestors from Chhatarpur and Panna districts organized symbolic hanging of nooses around their necks and making “noose” on makeshift funeral pyres, protesting for rehabilitation and better compensation for weak policies and discriminatory practices.

The protest trapped inside was broken up by police on July 19 while fireworks erupted nearby in one of the Barana class bighoras, despite the activist being shifted to Chhatarpur District Hospital on the same day, owing to the threat of rising water levels due to heavy rainfall.

A member of the fast’s life force, Bhatnagar said he ended the fast after having coconut water by his family members and other protesters by observing their support during his presence being withdrawn from the protest area.

He pointed out that the movement was not yet over and informed that another “Nyay Satyagraha” (Justice Movement) for the rehabilitation of every eligible Project Affected Family (PAF) were being announced to proceed.

Bhatnagar stated that he won’t stop until the last deserving child gets justice.

He is being medically monitored at district hospital an angry mob has pledged to continue their protest till the government meets its obligations under the Ken-Betwa river linking scheme with regards to a rehabilitation plan and compensation.