Ken-Betwa activist Bhatnagar ends 18-day hunger strike on mother’s request

Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended his 18-day hunger strike over displacement issues from the Ken-Betwa river linking project and other irrigation schemes in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhatnagar broke his fast on his mother's request after returning to his hometown Bijawar in Chhatarpur district following hospital discharge.

The protest began on July 3 under a bridge over the Barana river, demanding an inquiry into alleged irregularities in rehabilitation and compensation payments.

Chhatarpur police removed Bhatnagar from the protest site on July 19, citing rising water levels; he was hospitalized but later discharged.

Bhatnagar said his agitation sought to protect constitutional, environmental, and legal rights of tribal communities and project-affected families, not target individuals or parties.