AGRA: The Two-day atheism convention that was to commence in Mathura on Friday was called off after violent protests by local religious leaders and public.Confirming the cancellation of the convention by its convenor, Swami Balendu, SP city, Alok Priyadarshi said since local residents and religious leaders were protesting, the organizer called it off and assured that no such conference that hurts the sentiments of the would be held in the town.Accusing Balendu of spreading " anti-religion " feelings residents shouted slogans at the venue of the convention and indulged in stone pelting. However, no one was injured in the incident.The protestors also burnt an effigy of the Balendu and accused him of spreading lies and ‘immorality’ (adharam). Talking to TOI, Phool Dol Das Mahant said such conventions should not be allowed as they vitiate peace.As reported earlier, Swami Balendu had accused religious leaders of fooling people in the name of god. He had dubbed religion as a ‘business’ that thrives on fear in the minds of people and said all religious scriptures are ‘fictitious’ and meant only for entertainment.