Agartala, May 5 (ANI): Peace is gradually returning to many areas of northeast through government efforts and better linkages between the region and other parts of the country.
Phatikcherra, in Tripura was once a hotbed of militancy. Now peace has returned to the village.
Phatikcherra is located in West Tripura, 20 kilometers north of Agartala.
Home to Devburma, Uran, Bhil and Santhal tribes; it was badly affected by militant activities.
Extortion, abduction and shutdowns were a routine feature there and development activities had come to a grinding halt.
Villagers were forced to migrate to other places in search of safety.
But things have changed now with the gradual return of peace and normalcy.
As a result they are getting more work.
“We are now living happily and there is no militant activity here. There is sufficient work in the villages with the introduction of schemes like NREGA. Most of the villagers are dependent on agriculture,” said Dulal Bhowmik, a farmer.
Since regular classes resumed, over 70 per cent of children are going to school in the village.
The Government is also introducing educational programmes and schemes to make more children join schools.
“Earlier in schools of Tripura, particularly in the remote areas, the attendance of students was very low. But, with the introduction of ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ and total literacy programme we have noticed a major change,” said Kamala Kanta Debbarma, Headmaster.
Suresh Binuag from Phatikcherra village, has been managing a government funded co-operative tea garden for the past two years.
Suresh is illiterate and since childhood he has been working in the tea garden.
He wants his children to get good education and become progressive farmers.
“Earlier, the main hurdle was militancy but now this problem has been solved. We can notice development everywhere. Roads are being constructed for better connectivity. School and College are coming up and our children are getting education. Development is taking place,” said Suresh Binuag, Cooperative owner of a tea garden.
With the decline of militancy in the region, people are re-building a new life.
They are constructing new houses, sending their children to schools and even taking up progressive farming.
They are reaping the “peace dividend.” (ANI)