Tribal Women Stage Dramatic Funeral Pyre Protest Against Ken-Betwa River Project
In a powerful and symbolic demonstration, hundreds of tribal farmers, predominantly women, lay on mock funeral pyres in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district on Thursday. This dramatic protest, dubbed the "chita andolan" or funeral pyre movement, signals their unwavering resolve to oppose the proposed Ken-Betwa river linking project until their last breaths.
Escalating Tensions and Police Confrontation
The protest took a tense turn when women demonstrators clashed with police officers attempting to disperse the gathering. Viral images from the scene show women, many holding their small children, lying on the pyres as part of what they described as a demand for "justice or death." The confrontation forced police to step back temporarily, highlighting the intensity of the standoff.
Protesters have alleged sustained harassment by the administration and have vowed to continue their fight until their demands are fully addressed. They claim that roads were blocked and the supply of food and water to their settlements was deliberately affected. Furthermore, they assert that local shopkeepers have been warned against providing daily essentials to participants, and residents of nearby villages are being pressured not to support the agitation.
Details of the Controversial Ken-Betwa Project
The Ken-Betwa river linking project is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at diverting water from the Ken river basin to water-scarce areas of the Betwa basin. The project involves the construction of the Daudhan dam, an extensive canal network spanning over 200 kilometers, and related irrigation and power infrastructure.
According to officials, the project is expected to meet irrigation needs for over 10 lakh hectares of land and provide drinking water to approximately 62 lakh people, in addition to generating significant power. It targets drought-prone districts in Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh, with completion planned in phases over several years.
Villagers' Unaddressed Concerns and Continued Resistance
Despite these projected benefits, villagers opposing the project say their concerns regarding land rights, forest rights, and displacement have not been adequately addressed. They assert that they will not back down until their demands are met, emphasizing that the protest will continue with another funeral pyre demonstration scheduled for Friday.
The agitation is being led by tribal women alongside Jai Kisan Sangathan leader Amit Bhatnagar, who has alleged a nexus between officials and local interests that he claims is leading to the exploitation of villagers. Protesters also reported that they were previously prevented from traveling to Delhi to advocate for their demands.
Administrative Measures and Protest Adaptations
In response to the protests, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of Panna and Chhatarpur districts. These orders restrict the movement of people near protest sites, with police and forest department personnel deployed along access routes to limit movement.
Despite these restrictions, protesters have adapted by shifting part of their demonstration to the middle of the Ken river. Farmers from both Panna and Chhatarpur districts have continued their protest from their respective sides, creating a joint action while remaining within district limits. This strategic move demonstrates their determination to maintain visibility and pressure on authorities.
The ongoing protest underscores the deep-seated grievances of tribal communities affected by large-scale development projects, highlighting the complex balance between infrastructure progress and the protection of indigenous rights and livelihoods.
