Tarn Taran, January 28
From the hotbed of militancy where bullets threatened live to people casting votes for development, this district of Majha has definitely come a long way.

Talking to The Tribune, Surat Singh, an elderly from Rataul village, said the memories of dark days still send shivers down his spine. He pointed out the bullet marks on the walls of his house that tell the tale of an encounter in which two cops and two terrorists were killed.

“We used to hear gunshots all through the nights and wondered whether we would be alive tomorrow,” he said. He thanked God as peace has finally returned to their village. He said the villagers take interest in the elections and they openly talk about the electoral contest. On development, he said it hasn’t taken place as much as it should have been.

Like Surat Singh, the residents of Behla village also remember the day when nine terrorists were killed in an encounter in their village. The house, where the encounter was held, has been rebuilt and it belongs to 75-year-old Gurmohinder Singh. His son Ishwinder Singh, who is into farming along with his brother Preetharjinder Singh, said the militants had encroached upon his residence and farm land which they got back later. “It was a bad phase where nobody could speak up his mind. However, things have changed now and people are free to express themselves.” He said development has not taken place in the district due to long period of terrorism here. The new government needs to focus on development of the region, he said.

Pargat Singh Jamrai, a resident of Dhun Dhaiyewala village where once terrorists called the shots, said the people there have become a part of the democratic process and are participating in elections with great enthusiasm. He said though the area has prospered after the end of terrorism, but still a lot needed to be done. Another villager, Gurnam Singh, said there is dearth of teachers in schools as well as facilities in health centres. Amanpreet Singh of Kiria village said unemployment is the major problem in the area.

Sukhchain Singh, Sarpanch of Dasuwal village from where top Babbar Khalsa terrorist Sukhdev Singh Babbar hailed, said the people don’t want to recall those days of militancy. They are optimistic about the democratic set up.

Even kin of some terrorists are participating in the poll process. Dilbagh Singh, brother of Sukhwinder Singh Sangha of Bhindranwala Tigers Force of Khalistan, is campaigning for the Congress.

Lakhwinder Singh of Marar village was an active member of Babbar Khalsa in 1988. Later in 1992 he had surrendered before the police. Though he is not associated with any political party, he said he would vote. “We are better off now, as we are living with family. At that time we were always on the run,” he added.