Residents affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and several other development projects in Madhya Pradesh have resumed their symbolic ‘Chita Andolan’ (Pyre Protest), alleging continued displacement, unfulfilled government promises and administrative apathy. The protest, which restarted on Friday near the Barana River close to Kupi village in Chhatarpur district, is being led primarily by tribal women under the slogan “Nyay Do Ya Mar Do” (Give Us Justice or Let Us Die).

The agitation involves families impacted by multiple infrastructure and irrigation projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay Medium Irrigation Project, Runjh and Naiguwa irrigation schemes, and NTPC-related developments in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.

Protesters claim they have been repeatedly assured of rehabilitation and compensation but allege that most commitments made by the administration remain unfulfilled. The renewed movement comes months after a similar protest was temporarily suspended following discussions with officials.

Social activist and protest leader Amit Bhatnagar accused the administration of failing to address the concerns of displaced families. He alleged that nearly 50,000 people have been adversely affected due to the implementation of various projects and claimed that many have lost access to their homes, agricultural land, forests, livelihoods and traditional way of life.

Bhatnagar also raised environmental concerns over the Ken-Betwa Link Project, alleging that the project could result in the loss of around 4.6 million trees, besides affecting parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken River ecosystem. According to him, the ecological impact would have long-term consequences for the region.

Leaders of the protest, including Divya Ahirwar, Chita and Laxmi Adivasi, alleged that none of the assurances given after the previous phase of the ‘Chita Andolan’ in April had been implemented. Instead, they claimed that several affected families faced legal action, forced evictions, electricity disconnections and demolition of schools after the earlier agitation concluded.

The protesters further alleged that false criminal cases had been registered against some participants in an attempt to discourage public opposition to the projects. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response addressing these specific claims was immediately available.

A defining feature of the renewed protest is the prominent participation of tribal women, who have taken the lead in organizing demonstrations and addressing gatherings. Many participants said they would no longer accept verbal assurances without concrete action from the government regarding rehabilitation, compensation and restoration of basic facilities.

Some protesters stated that if the government is unable to ensure justice and proper rehabilitation, they would seek permission for voluntary death, describing it as a reflection of their growing frustration over prolonged displacement and uncertainty.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is one of India's major river-linking initiatives aimed at improving irrigation and water availability across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, the project has also faced criticism from environmental groups and local communities over concerns related to displacement, rehabilitation and ecological conservation.

As the latest phase of the protest gathers momentum, the spotlight has once again shifted to the balance between large-scale infrastructure development and the rights of communities affected by such projects. Whether fresh negotiations between the administration and protesters take place in the coming days remains to be seen.