Madhya Pradesh Police dispersed a two-week tribal protest on the Barana riverbank in Chhatarpur district. The protest was directed against the Ken-Betwa river-link project and other irrigation and development projects. The incident is relevant for UPSC because it sits at the intersection of water-resource planning, displacement, compensation, and protest rights.
What happened
Police cleared the protest site after arguing that rising water levels and more rain created safety risks. Protesters had been using symbolic funeral pyres and nooses as a form of protest. The district administration said the area was being cleared to prevent an accident.
Claims made by different sides
The protesters accused the police of forcibly evicting them and assaulting women. They also alleged corruption linked to compensation. Protest leader Amit Bhatnagar said the police prevented him from exposing the alleged corruption and that the hunger strike would continue. The district administration said Bhatnagar was taken to hospital.
Why the issue matters for UPSC
Related current affairs
- Why are there protests over the Ken-Betwa project?
- Tribals escalate protest against Ken-Betwa river-linking project; demand higher rehabilitation package
- Activist ends fast against Ken-Betwa linking after 18 days
- Hunger stir against Ken-Betwa Link Project enters 15th day
- M.P. CM Mohan Yadav orders officials to hear Ken–Betwa project-affected families
- Ken-Betwa link project: Cong. flags police intimidation, ‘flaws’ in compensation to villagers