Chhattisgarh observes shutdown in protest against religious conversions, with businesses shut from Bastar to Surguja:

News Topical, Digital Desk : A statewide strike on Wednesday, in protest of the recent violence in Amabeda, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, against attempts to prevent religious conversions, had a widespread impact. Business establishments remained closed from Bastar to Surguja. The districts in the Bastar division were the most affected.

The bandh organised by Sarva Hindu Samaj and Chhattisgarh Sarva Samaj has been fully supported by organisations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce.

The situation remained tense in Amabeda and Useli villages in Kanker on Wednesday. In Kondagaon and Dantewada, tribal and Hindu organizations protested by holding bike rallies. Traders spontaneously closed their shops.

Hospitals, medical stores, and emergency services were exempted from the shutdown. Police were deployed in Amabeda to control the situation.

Protesters in Jagdalpur and Dantewada submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister demanding strict action against the culprits. Members of the community allege that cases of conversions through inducement and pressure are increasing in the forested areas of the state, affecting social harmony.