Chhattisgarh Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo on Saturday said that prolonged demonstrations by tribals against the CRPF were responsible for a sudden spike in Covid cases in Bastar region.
Expressing concern over the spread of the pandemic in Sukma and Bijapur, the Minister said in a statement: “Something has happened there. That’s why the cases have increased.” He added: “According to Collectors, the reason is the massive demonstration in Silger.”
Thousands of villagers have been demonstrating for around a month against the killing of three persons by the CRPF at Silger and opposed the setting up of a security camp in the village.
According to the Health Department, 70 Covid positive cases were detected in Bijapur and 32 cases in Sukma on July 1. Similarly, 32 cases were reported in Bastar district the same day.