Normalcy returning to North Cachar hills in Assam

Guwahati, Aug.11 (ANI): The Government has taken several initiatives in the strife-torn North Cachar Hills district of Assam to ensure return of peace and normalcy.

The resumption of train services and summer camps organised for militancy-affected victims have come as a big relief to the people of the region.

After nearly three months, passenger train services of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) were resumed on the militancy-hit Lumding-Badarpur rail connecting Assam and three other northeastern states to the rest of the country.

Authorities in Assam have set-up make shift "bunkers" in trains to enable the security personnel keep a watch out for any militant attack.

Over 85 people, including railway officials, have been killed in attacks by Dima Halam Daogah or the Black Widow militant outfit on trains and in nearby villages of North Cachar Hills.

"With the resumption of the train services, the people of Haflong are really happy. If it continues plying, it will be even more convenient for us," said Jainabluddin, a local resident.

NC Hills have witnessed militant violence, which has not only affected the economy of the region but has also disrupted the life of the people in the area.

Besides, in a bid to help the militancy affected children, the Zeliang Students Union, under the Government's Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, organised a summer camp in Lodi village in North Cachar Hills district.

The children of the families residing in relief camps due to a series of attacks on villages of the district, welcomed the organisation of camp here.

The camp focused on meeting the educational needs of the children. It also organised traditional games and other physical activities for the children.

"We have organised this summer camp for these children residing in the relief camps to spend time with them and entertain them through games," said Chiranghirang, a teacher.

"Due to the situation we could not continue our schools for about three months. We could not even write our exams. But the Sarva Siksha here has provided us and is helping us in our education and we are enjoying here. I also enjoyed here," said Acame, a student.

The Children in the camp have been given books and required stationary materials.

The initiative has come as a ray of hope for the people of NC hills and has brought back the smile on their faces.

To review and obtain the first hand information of the situation in NC hills, the Union Home Secretary G K Pillai recently met with members of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous council, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police of NC hills.

He assured them of Centre's help and said that the Center would take all measures to restore peace. (ANI)