Many workers of Johar Chhattisgarh Party-Chhattisgarh Kranti Sena are under house arrest
Raipur. A tense situation prevailed in the capital Raipur on Friday during the Johar Chhattisgarh Party’s bandh called to protest the vandalism of the statue of Chhattisgarh Mata. The administration has made tight security arrangements to deal with any untoward incident and has placed officials and workers of several organizations under house arrest. According to reports, officials of the Chhattisgarhiya Kranti Sena and the Johar Chhattisgarh Party were preparing for a rally and demonstration in the city in support of the bandh on Friday morning when they were stopped by the police. Police have turned the Chandrakar Hostel (Mahadev Ghat Road) premises into a temporary surveillance center, where several Kranti Sena workers were detained and barred from leaving. Police have locked the main gate of the hostel, completely blocking entry. A large police force has been deployed on the spot. Officials stated that this action was taken to maintain law and order.
Normal life in the city during the bandh
Despite the bandh call, major markets, business establishments, and schools in Raipur remained open as usual. The Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Private Schools Association had already made it clear that they would not support the bandh. Since morning, traffic remained normal in areas like Pandri, Telibandha, Jaistambh Chowk, Fafadeep, Sadar Bazaar, Mana, and Rajendra Nagar, and people went about their daily activities. At some places, supporters of the Johar Chhattisgarh Party were seen raising slogans in support of the bandh, but the police immediately calmed them down.
Administration Adopts Precautionary Approach
The police administration had already put in place strict security arrangements in view of the bandh. Additional police force was deployed at major intersections, markets, and sensitive areas in Raipur city. Additionally, the Raipur Police Control Room was put on alert. Senior police officials stated that over 200 police personnel and officers have been deployed for security duty in the city. They added that no one would be allowed to disrupt law and order or take to the streets. Raipur SSP stated, “The house arrest is a precautionary measure. Our aim is not to target anyone, but to maintain peace in the city. The situation in Raipur is completely under control, and no untoward incident has been reported.”
Reason for the Bandh – Chhattisgarh Mahatari Statue Vandalized
A few days ago, the Chhattisgarh Mahatari statue was vandalized in Raipur. This incident sparked outrage and anger throughout the state. The Johar Chhattisgarh Party called for a statewide bandh, calling it an “attack on Chhattisgarh’s identity.” The party demanded that the government take strict legal action against those who vandalized the statue and that new statues of Chhattisgarh Mahatari be installed in public places. The party spokesperson stated, “Chhattisgarh Mahatari is a symbol of our honor and existence. Destroying her statue is like hurting the soul of Chhattisgarh. Our protest will continue until the culprits are punished.”
Police and Administration on Alert
In view of potential protests, Section 144 has been imposed in the capital Raipur and its surrounding areas. No processions, rallies, or protests have been permitted. Drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring are being used to monitor the situation in sensitive areas of the city. Police stated that no organization will be allowed to take to the streets or gather crowds. Senior police officers are conducting regular patrols and monitoring rumors circulating on social media. The administration has appealed to the public to ignore any misleading information and refrain from spreading rumors.
The atmosphere in the capital is calm but cautious. Markets in many parts of Raipur remained open with little activity on Friday morning, although many shopkeepers kept their shops closed for the first few hours to assess the situation. Later, when the situation appeared normal, they resumed business. Traffic at the city bus stand and railway station also remained normal, and passengers faced no inconvenience. However, police deployed additional security forces around the bus stand and station. This incident and subsequent protests in the capital have increased pressure on the government to quickly arrest those who vandalized the statue of Chhattisgarh Mata. Political parties and social organizations have demanded a high-level investigation into the matter and exemplary punishment for the culprits.
