Bhopal/Panna, July 20 -- Demonstrators protesting the Ken-Betwa Link and other projects in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district were dispersed on Sunday and movement leader Amit Bhatnagar, who has been on a fast for 14 days, was shifted to a hospital, officials said. In a video message to the media, Bhatnagar said he had not ended his fast and would not do so "even if it costs me my life". The Ken-Betwa Link Projectaims to transfer surplus water from Ken to Betwa river to provide irrigation and drinking water in drought-prone Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Around 300 protesters were agitating against alleged irregularities in compensation distribution for people displaced by the project and other irrigation and power projects in the region since July 3 on the banks of Barana river near Kupi village. Bhatnagar alleged compensation was awarded to ineligible people through fraudulent gram sabha proceedings. He alleged, "Corruption of Rs.400 crore had affected nearly 50,000 people." On Sunday morning, police and administration cracked down on the protest. Bijawar municipal council member Divya Ahirwar, who was also protesting, said, "This is an attempt to suppress democratic protest. We demand that the administration uphold the law and ensure rights guaranteed under the Constitution." Panna district collector Parth Jaiswal however said the dispersal was done for safety. "The water level in the river was rising and could have endangered lives. No case has been registered. Villagers were sent back, and Amit Bhatnagar was taken for medical examination after detention," Jaiswal said....