The protest by villagers displaced by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development projects in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district intensified on Wednesday, with demonstrators launching a symbolic "Mitti Satyagraha" and continuing their "Chita Andolan" to press for fair compensation and rehabilitation.

The agitation, being held under the banner of the Jai Kisan Sangathan, entered its fifth day with protesters raising slogans of "Nyay Do Ya Maar Do" (Give us justice or kill us). Despite continuous rainfall, tribal men and women remained at the protest site, accusing the administration of ignoring their long-pending grievances.

Symbolic Protest Gains Momentum

As part of the latest phase of the agitation, villagers smeared mud on their bodies and lay on symbolic funeral pyres along the riverbank, describing the demonstration as a reflection of their struggle for survival after displacement.

The protesters claim they have been affected by multiple development projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay, Runjh, Neguwa and NTPC-related land acquisition works. They allege that many displaced families have either not received adequate compensation or are still awaiting proper rehabilitation.

Activist Continues Indefinite Hunger Strike

Social activist Amit Bhatnagar, who has extended support to the movement, continued his indefinite hunger strike for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.

Bhatnagar demanded justice for displaced families and called for action against officials allegedly involved in irregularities during land acquisition and rehabilitation.

He alleged that the administration was attempting to intimidate affected families instead of addressing their concerns. According to him, the protest would continue until genuine beneficiaries receive their legal entitlements and an impartial inquiry is conducted into the alleged irregularities.

Administration Accused of Intimidation

According to the protesters, government officials visited the protest site during the day, where a heated exchange took place between officials and villagers.

The protesters alleged that they were being threatened and pressured to withdraw their agitation. They also claimed corruption in government offices, alleging that bribes were demanded during compensation-related processes and that administrative machinery was being misused to suppress their voices.

The administration has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Demand for Compensation and Independent Probe

The protesters have placed several demands before the state government and district administration, including fair compensation for land and houses acquired under various projects and proper rehabilitation of all displaced families.

They have also sought an independent, high-level investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in land acquisition and compensation processes. The protesters further demanded strict legal action against officials found responsible for any wrongdoing and an end to what they describe as intimidation of affected villagers.

Claims of Unfulfilled Promises

Speaking during the protest, Amit Bhatnagar alleged that discussions with the administration had continued for nearly four years without any meaningful resolution.

He claimed that although earlier protests had received support from across the country, assurances given by the administration were never fulfilled. He further alleged that around 250 people were booked in false cases following previous demonstrations and that several houses were demolished before compensation was paid.

Bhatnagar also alleged that acquiring land and demolishing homes without providing compensation violated legal provisions, including protections available under the land acquisition law and judicial directives.

Dispute Over Rehabilitation Continues

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is among several major infrastructure initiatives that require land acquisition across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While the government has maintained that the project is aimed at improving irrigation and water availability in the Bundelkhand region, several affected families continue to demand transparent compensation, rehabilitation and adherence to land acquisition norms.

The protest in Chhatarpur remains ongoing, with displaced families indicating that they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.