Khaprakhol (Orissa), Oct 18 (ANI): The fear of Maoists has brought several development projects to a complete halt in Khaprakhol Block of Orissa's Bolangir District.
The assigned labourers dread the ultras attacking them at the isolated sites and are reluctant to work, while many villagers here are passing their nights in suspense.
Manoj Pradhan, Assistant Engineer in charge of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP), today mentioned how development projects that had begun after prolonged perseverance have now stopped due to the threats posed by Maoists.
"We have taken about 60 projects under IAP (Integrated Action Plan) scheme in Khaprakhol block out of which 70 percent work is completed. In Maoist infested areas, we have undertaken four projects of 11 lakh rupees," said Pradhan.
"But, nobody is willing to work there. As a result the work is left incomplete. Some of the work which had been started is now stalled," he added.
Half laid roads and partially constructed buildings are a common sight in the villages of Khaprakhol Block.
The recent killing of two villagers by Maoists in this district has further aggravated the fear among the locals.
On their part, the villagers here are scared to come out of their houses.
"Maoists roam here very frequently. We can't sleep at night due to their fear here. We don't know what is happening. Our children are also having sleepless nights. We have heard that they take girls into their camp. So, our girls and also their parents are scared," said Basant Nayak, a villager.
Bolangir District Collector Sailendra Narayan Dey, however, seemed to be optimistic.
He said the work was on and only some projects had been affected and hopefully would be completed soon.
"The Government of India is aware of their movements, that's why Bolangir district has been put under high Integrated Action Plan and we have received 25 crore rupees in the year 2010-11 to implement various projects which would give benefit to the local people of those areas where Maoists are operating and extending their influence," said Sailendra Dey..
Maoists have attacked many schools, hospitals, and government institutions and this offensive has severely affected children's education and has brought normal life to a standstill.
According to analysts, the Maoists oppose all development activities such as the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, drip irrigation and drinking water facilities.
Contractors are killed, schools are torched, electric poles are pulled down and projects, which could lead to development, are halted.
For, if development comes to the area, Maoists fear that their support base will diminish.
The Maoist insurgency has gripped nearly one-third of the country, spreading into the interiors of 20 states of the country. (ANI)
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