The State-wide bandh, called by Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CGPCC) in protest of a sterilisation camp in Bilaspur district that resulted in death of at least 13 women during the last two days, evoked a mix response on Wednesday.
The enraged protestors took to the streets from early morning to ensure that main markets remained closed for the day across towns and cities of the State.As per the reports received from different parts of the State, shops, petrol pumps, hotels, educational institutions, other business and non-commercial units in urban areas were seen extending their participation in protest of the incident by closing down their establishments.
The Bandh however partially affected routine life in suburban and rural areas.Similarly, shops and businesses downed shutters in Raipur as scores of demonstrators took to the streets to demand the resignation of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Health Minister Amar Agrawal.
Different teams of Congress leaders, in the form of a rally, visited various main markets to seek the traders’ support for bandh. The protestors were seen raising slogans and holding placards with anti-Government slogans.The reports of the protesters facing resistance from the traders to shut their establishments against their were also reported.In a similar incident, a group of protestors allegedly stopped a school bus and vandalized the same.
In another incident, police lodged a complaint against Congress leader, Ajaj Dhebar and his supporters at Gol Bazaar police station for allegedly disturbing traffic at busy Jaistambh Chowk by putting tyres ablaze.
However, when the police was taking Congress Raipur City District President Vikas Upadhyayafter his arrest, his health started deteriorating and thus, he was admitted to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital for treatment.CGPCC president, Bhupesh Baghel accused the police for allegedly picking up fight with the party workers and beating them up in Raipur, Bilaspur and other cities.Bilaspur witnessed major impact of the bandh. A heavy police force was deployed at the main markets, sensitive areas and the district hospital to avert any untoward situation. Bandh however was less effective in the Nagar Panchayats of Bilaspur district.
In Dhamtari, the party leaders and workers were seen taking to the main routes to ensure a complete bandh. A number of demonstrators led by MlA, Gurumukh Singh Hora launched a protest rally from Kachahari Chowk.The Bandh received a mix response from the traders of Bemetra as apart from big business establishments, shops and business ventures were seen heading to routine life.
However, main markets of Jagdalpur and other parts of Bastar division wore deserted look in support of bandh. The traders and local residents extended their support to Congress party’s call as a medium of their protest against the State government.Bandh evoked mix response in Durg, Navapara Rajim and other parts of the State throughout the day. The party had announced to keep medical services unaffected from the bandh.