The Bastar Chamber of Commerce extended its support to the bandh. Hindu organisations also backed the protest, alleging that Christian missionaries had carried out a planned attack on villagers in Kanker and that some district-level officials were complicit in the incident.
From early morning, shops in major market areas of Jagdalpur, including Sanjay Market, Gol Bazaar, Chandni Chowk and surrounding localities, remained closed. Members of Hindu organisations were seen urging traders to keep their establishments shut. Similar scenes were reported from Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur districts, where traders voluntarily supported the bandh.
Heavy police deployment across Bastar
With the bandh taking place a day before Christmas, the police administration remained on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. Additional security forces were deployed at sensitive locations across Jagdalpur and other parts of the Bastar region to maintain law and order.
Demand for probe into Kanker incident
Vishwa Hindu Parishad district president Ravi Brahmachari demanded a thorough investigation into the Kanker incident, claiming that officials were also involved. He called for the formation of an independent inquiry committee and sought the removal of officials found guilty.
He further demanded an investigation into churches constructed in villages, questioning whether proper approval was obtained through Gram Sabha resolutions. He said that any church built without due process should be demolished.
Bastar Chamber of Commerce supports bandh
The Bastar Chamber of Commerce held a meeting on Tuesday evening (December 23), attended by president Shyam Somani, general secretary Navratan Jalota and other office-bearers. The chamber decided to support the bandh, citing the alleged attack on members of the tribal community by missionaries in Amabeda, Kanker, the administration’s alleged biased approach, and growing concerns over religious conversion.
The chamber clarified that essential and emergency services were kept outside the purview of the shutdown.
