Bundelkhand tribals lie on pyres in protest:’Justice or death’ over Ken-Betwa project; Chhatarpur sealed amid rising tensions

The movement against the Ken-Betwa Link Project in Chhatarpur has reached a decisive turn. Despite administrative pressure, since Wednesday afternoon, a large number of tribal farmers, especially women, have been protesting through ‘Chita Andolan’ (funeral pyre protest). Tribal women leading the movement and Jai Kisan Sangathan leader Amit Bhatnagar have adopted an aggressive stance against the government. Thousands of women, along with small children, are protesting by lying on symbolic funeral pyres. Their demand is either justice or death. The protesters allege that they were prevented from going to Delhi. Roadblocks were set up and even rations and water were stopped. They were also threatened. Now the administration is trying to suppress their voice by imposing Section 163 in villages and forests, which they have termed as the height of oppression. See 5 pictures of the protest… Movement of outsiders stopped at Chhatarpur borders The administration has imposed Section 163 and stopped the movement of outsiders at the Panna and Chhatarpur borders. Leader Amit Bhatnagar reacted strongly to this. He said that dividing people in the same project is unjust and illogical. He accused the administration of issuing such orders to hide atrocities and corruption. Despite Section 163, the protesters adopted a unique approach. The movement was started in the middle of the Ken River. Farmers from Panna and Chhatarpur are protesting jointly while staying within their respective boundaries, making the movement more symbolic and stronger. Allegation – Pressuring villages not to help us People allege that the police and forest department have posted guards on all routes, blocking people. Supply of rations, water, and essential items is being obstructed. Shopkeepers have been removed through intimidation, and villages are under pressure not to provide help. In the pressure to end the movement, there was a clash between women and police, in which the police had to retreat. Amit Bhatnagar, who is leading the movement, alleged that there is a nexus of administration, police, and people connected to power in every village, which is increasing corruption and exploiting villagers. Protesters say – Will not back down until justice is served The protesters say that they will not back down until justice is served. Calling it a do-or-die battle, they stated that the struggle will continue as long as they are alive.