'This Land Is Our Identity': Majhgawan Villagers Lie on Pyres; Wrap Themselves in Mud Demanding Compensation and Rehabilitation | TM Ground Report

Bhopal/Panna. The movement by tribal and other families falling in the submergence area of the Majhgawan Medium Irrigation Project continued for the 21st day on Friday. When The Mooknayak's team reached the protest site, the scene there was different from an ordinary demonstration. A large number of protesters were symbolically lying on pyres. The number of women among them was also significant.

Some protesters were seen staging a symbolic hanging demonstration. At the same time, some women were sitting with mud wrapped around their bodies. Through these symbols, the protesters tried to convey that due to the project, their homes, land, and lives are on the verge of being destroyed, and they have deep anxiety about their future.

The villagers present at the protest site were continuously raising their voices regarding their demands. In this movement, now running for 21 days, the issues of arrests, hunger strikes, and rehabilitation have also become attached. The hunger strike of arrested Amit Bhatnagar is continuing in jail itself.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Divya Ahirwar said, "This is not just a question of our land, it is a question of our homes, our lives, and the future of coming generations." Other women present there said, "We want to show the government that the very land on which we have spent our entire lives is being snatched away from us. For us, this land is not just a field, but the foundation of our identity and life."

A young man participating in the protest said, "The approval of funds for 43 families is certainly an achievement of the movement, but the question of 229 affected families still remains. Until every eligible family gets its full compensation and right to rehabilitation, this movement will not end. Arresting our comrades will not suppress our voice. We want the government to talk to us, release Amit Bhatnagar and all arrested comrades, and make solid arrangements for the future of displaced families."

Villagers' opposition still stands at the protest site

Families affected by the Majhgawan project say that the biggest question before them is that of the future. The families whose land and homes are falling in the project's submergence area want to know where they will be settled after displacement and what the complete arrangement for their rehabilitation will be.

Protesters say that until every eligible family gets its legal right, the movement will not be ended.

According to the villagers, during the movement they have been continuously raising their voices before the administration regarding their demands. Protesters say that despite arrests and pressure, their demands have not ended.

Ramavtar Adivasi told The Mooknayak, "At the time of elections, the ruling party talks big about the welfare of tribals and their rights, but on the ground the picture is completely different. Without proper compensation and rehabilitation, our ancestral forests and villages are being snatched from us. We are being removed from the very places with which our life and livelihood are connected. The government should first ensure the rights of affected families, and only then should any project be taken forward."

He said, "This movement is not going to end with the arrest of Amit Bhatnagar. He has awakened people across the entire region to raise their voices for their rights. Now Amit Bhatnagar has been born in every household. People's voices cannot be suppressed by showing the fear of police batons and bullets. Until the affected families get their full compensation, rehabilitation, and justice, this struggle will continue."