Police End 15-Day Ken-Betwa Protest

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district ended on Sunday after police cleared the agitation site. The protest, led by activist Amit Bhatnagar, was against alleged irregularities in the project's implementation.

The protest site, located near Kupi village, was cleared by police in the early hours of Sunday. Bhatnagar, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike, was shifted to a hospital after his health deteriorated. Other protesters were sent back to their villages by bus, citing heavy rainfall and health concerns.

Protesters alleged that Bhatnagar and other activists were detained by police, but the administration denied making any arrests. According to Bijawar SDM Vijay Dwivedi, Bhatnagar and some of his supporters were admitted to the Bijawar Community Health Centre for treatment.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project aims to link the Ken and Betwa rivers in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, protesters claim that the project has been marred by irregularities worth around ₹400 crore. They are demanding implementation of legal provisions and protection of the rights of affected communities.

The protest was mainly led by tribal women, who had been demonstrating on the banks of the Barana river near Kupi village. The administration's decision to clear the protest site has intensified tensions in the area.

Additional Superintendent of Police Aditya Patle denied that any protester was arrested or detained. He said the action was taken as a precautionary measure due to safety concerns. However, protest leader Divya Ahirwar alleged that police reached the protest site in large numbers and removed Bhatnagar and other protesters before he could address the media.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a major development scheme in Madhya Pradesh, aimed at improving irrigation and drinking water facilities in the region. However, the project has been facing opposition from local communities, who claim that it will displace them and affect their livelihoods.

The protest's end marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the Ken-Betwa Link Project. The incident highlights the tensions between the government and local communities over development projects in the region.

The Madhya Pradesh government has been facing criticism over its handling of the protest. The opposition has alleged that the government is trying to suppress the movement and ignore the concerns of affected communities.

In conclusion, the end of the 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the project. The incident highlights the need for the government to address the concerns of local communities and ensure that their rights are protected.