Jai Kisan Sangathan leader Amit Bhatnagar called off his 18‑day hunger strike after the central government promised a fresh verification of affected families. The move marks a pivotal shift in the ongoing protest against the ₹44,000‑crore Ken‑Betwa river link project in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Takeaways

  • Amit Bhatnagar ends his 18‑day hunger strike
  • Government pledges fresh verification of displaced families
  • Protest will continue as a ‘Nyay Satyagraha’

End of the Fast and Immediate Triggers

Jai Kisan Sangathan chief Amit Bhatnagar broke his 18‑day indefinite fast on July 23 at the Chhatarpur District Hospital by drinking coconut water. He made the decision after several tribal women stopped eating on July 19, and police forcibly admitted him to a hospital, dismantling the protest site on the Barana riverbank.

Background of the Ken‑Betwa River Link Protest

Residents of Chhatarpur and Panna districts have been demonstrating since July 4 against the ₹44,000‑crore central‑government project. Protesters tied nooses around their necks and lay on makeshift pyres in the river, demanding better compensation for those displaced by at least five state projects.

Government Response and New Verification Process

Chhatarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal stated that the administration has been in constant dialogue with Bhatnagar and other protestors, promising to form a team that will address all grievances and include any omitted families in the compensation scheme.

Future Strategy: ‘Nyay Satyagraha’

Bhatnagar declared, “I am concluding my 18‑day fast‑unto‑death today, having achieved the first success towards my objective. From now on, I will undertake a ‘Nyay Satyagraha’ and will not rest until every eligible person affected by this project receives justice.” He plans to travel village‑to‑village to mobilize the movement and monitor the implementation of promises.

Historical Background

The Ken‑Betwa link aims to connect water resources of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, supplying irrigation and drinking water to drought‑prone regions. However, the project has faced repeated opposition over environmental concerns and tribal rehabilitation issues.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the resolution of this protest could set a precedent for how large‑scale infrastructure projects handle tribal rehabilitation and compensation across India.

"Ensuring tribal justice is the cornerstone of sustainable development in India," says Prof. Radhika Singh, a social scientist.
Did You Know?: The Ken‑Betwa project includes 28 dams and over 1,500 km of water canals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Is the Ken‑Betwa project still proceeding?
    A: Yes, the project continues, but demands for improved rehabilitation and compensation are being negotiated.
  • Q: What is Amit Bhatnagar’s next step?
    A: He will lead a ‘Nyay Satyagraha’ across villages, monitoring the government’s commitments and ensuring justice for the displaced.