Jan Sangharsh Samnvay Samiti Extends Support to Panna’s ‘Chita Satyagraha’

Calls for an impartial probe into the reported police action, fair compensation and rehabilitation; seeks immediate dialogue with project-affected families

Bhopal/Panna, September 28, 2026 (SDNA): The Jan Sangharsh Samnvay Samiti, Madhya Pradesh, has extended its support to the ongoing ‘Chita Satyagraha’ by families affected by various development projects in the Ajaygarh area of Panna district. The organisation has called for a transparent rehabilitation process, fair compensation and immediate dialogue with the affected communities.

The protest has brought together concerns linked to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgawan and Runjh irrigation projects, and the Lalitpur-Singrauli railway project. Recent reports have also highlighted the continuation of the agitation despite heavy rain and waterlogging in parts of the affected area.

Demand for an Independent Inquiry

The Samiti has alleged that a police-administration action late on September 27 involved attempts to remove and detain protesters. It has sought an independent and impartial inquiry into the incident and urged authorities to address the grievances of affected families through dialogue rather than coercive measures.

According to the organisation, families peacefully raising concerns over displacement, compensation and rehabilitation should be given an opportunity to present their cases before the administration and concerned project authorities.

Rehabilitation Must Go Beyond Compensation

The Samiti has argued that displacement affects much more than land and houses. Loss of agricultural livelihoods, livestock-based income, local businesses, social networks and community life can create long-term difficulties for affected families.

It has therefore demanded that rehabilitation plans cover housing, livelihood restoration and essential services, rather than treating monetary compensation as the sole measure of rehabilitation.

The organisation has also called for fresh surveys involving Gram Sabhas, along with the public disclosure of village-wise and family-wise lists of affected households. It has sought an independent review of disputed land classifications, asset assessments, eligibility lists and pending compensation claims.

Basic Facilities and Livelihood Protection

The Samiti has said that families should not be displaced without adequate arrangements for drinking water, electricity, roads, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities at rehabilitation sites.

It has also proposed dedicated livelihood-restoration plans for families dependent on farming, animal husbandry, wage employment and small businesses.

For disputes concerning compensation, ownership and payment, the organisation has demanded an independent appellate mechanism and greater transparency in the identification of eligible families through open Gram Sabha proceedings.

Environmental Concerns Also Raised

The Samiti has called for an independent and publicly accessible assessment of the potential environmental impact of the projects on the Panna Tiger Reserve, forests, rivers, water bodies and wildlife corridors.

It has further sought social monitoring of compliance with conditions attached to environmental and wildlife-related clearances.

The demands also include a review of cases registered against protesters, adequate arrangements for food, drinking water and medical assistance at the protest site, and an immediate tripartite dialogue involving the government, affected families and civil society organisations.

Proposal for a Broad-Based Inquiry Panel

The Jan Sangharsh Samnvay Samiti has proposed setting up an independent committee to examine the wider dispute. It has suggested representation from retired judicial officers, social workers, land-rights specialists, environmental experts, women’s representatives, tribal representatives and members from affected villages.

The organisation has also called for the inquiry report to be made public and for a clear timeline to be established for implementing its recommendations.

Appeal for Peaceful Public Mobilisation

The Samiti has appealed to farmer, tribal, women’s, workers’, student-youth and environmental organisations across Madhya Pradesh to express solidarity through peaceful memoranda, public hearings, sit-ins and demonstrations.

Samiti representative Vijay Kumar said the concerns of project-affected communities should be addressed through dialogue and constitutional processes. He called for time-bound action on compensation, rehabilitation, housing and livelihood-related issues.

The organisation has further urged the authorities to reconsider forced displacement and related construction activity until outstanding issues concerning compensation, alternative housing, livelihood restoration and basic facilities are addressed.

The ongoing Panna agitation has previously included symbolic forms of protest such as ‘Chita’, ‘Mitti’, ‘Jal’ and ‘Suli Satyagraha’, with affected villagers seeking clarity on compensation, rehabilitation and the displacement process.