A “Chita Andolan” protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project continues in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, entering its day 10. Protesters from communities affected by the Majhgaon, Runj, Naiguva and NTPC-related components say they are staging the sit-in-style agitation on the Barana/Ken river area to press for rehabilitation and compensation. They allege that basic steps they have demanded for years—transparent surveys, gram sabha meetings, public hearings and resolution of objections—have not been addressed. Protesters also say no food was cooked on Wednesday, leaving around 500 children, women and elderly people without meals at the site.
Social activist Amit Bhatnagar, who is part of the protest movement, is reported to have lost about 6 kg during a hunger strike as his health deteriorated, according to protest accounts. The demonstrations include symbolic acts such as lying on funeral pyres.
Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar visited Bijawar/Chhatarpur and met protesters in knee-deep water. He criticises the government and police response to the agitation, alleging misconduct and violence against protesters. The protest demands highlighted across reports include land (three acres per displaced family), an extension of the cut-off date to 2026, a high-level inquiry into alleged corruption, and public discussion on benefits and losses.
