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Activist ends 27-day hunger strike against Ken-Betwa project in Panna

Panna, Madhya Pradesh, India · since Sep 12, 2026

Is it still on?

NOEnded on Oct 24.

Last report · checked

The Tea in three lines

Why they are protesting
Tribal farmers and villagers are protesting against the Ken-Betwa Link Project over displacement, compensation issues, and rights violations.
What they want
Proper rehabilitation, fair compensation, and adherence to the Forest Rights Act.
What changed
Oct 24, 2026: Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended his 27-day hunger strike after opposition leader Umang Singhar assured Congress support.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Proper rehabilitation
  • Fair compensation
  • Addressing displacement issues
  • Enforcing the Forest Rights Act

Organised by: Project-affected people, Madhya Pradesh Congress

What authorities say

According to the sources, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had previously directed a resurvey of affected families and an investigation into compensation status, though opposition leaders claimed no concrete action had been taken yet.12

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Arrests / detentions
1
protester Divya Ahirwar, who has been held there for the past 28 days12

The full story

Tribal farmers, villagers, and project-affected people have been staging multi-day demonstrations in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, under the leadership of activist Amit Bhatnagar, opposing the Ken-Betwa Link Project. The protest campaign, which included a 27-day hunger strike by Bhatnagar, focused on issues of displacement, proper rehabilitation, alleged irregularities in compensation, and violations of the Forest Rights Act. Demonstrators also organized a 'Save the Constitution, Save Democracy' march and submitted a memorandum at the Collectorate. On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar visited the protesters, assured them of the opposition party's support, and requested Bhatnagar to end his fast by drinking coconut water. Singhar also criticized the state government for a lack of concrete action following earlier resurvey directives and called for the release of a detained protester.

Timeline

  1. Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended his 27-day hunger strike after Congress leader Umang Singhar visited and requested him to drink coconut water.12

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