Winds of freedom in mini-Chambal

SITAPUR: There was a time when the echo of bullet on ballet was heard in Sitapur, much like the dacoit infested Chambal and Bundelkhand regions. It was the helplessness of the people from Gomti to Ganjar Patti, known as 'mini-Chambal', to follow the orders of dacoits. Such situation prevailed till 1999. Now, winds of change are sweeping the region. The villagers are no more afraid of dacoits.Most of the gangs have been eliminated.
The election had overpowered the bullets. No fear is seen among the people. The villagers fearlessly take part in the electoral process. The wind of democracy is blowing.
Dacoit gangs like Doolam, Hanuman and Naimish were active in Ganjri area from 1975 to 1985. Later, from 1985 to 1992, gangs like Rampal, Veerendra and Mewa-Mittar ruled here. There was terror of dacoit gangs like Ajay-Santosha, Mahadev-Ramkumar, Asharam and Nahakkey-Ramsevak in the villages from Sadna to Atariya during the period between 1985 to 1999. Earlier, Khemkaran alias Kheman created terror in Machhrehta area in 70s.
These gangs put pressure on the voters by ordering them to vote for their favorite candidate. In 1980, there was terror of dacoit gang Vishnu-Banwari in Maholi area. According to the sources, this gang would create the atmosphere in favour of their leader.
Now all these gangs do no exist any longer and the people. The villagers are also aware of their rights to a greater extent due to campaigns launched by the Election Commission. They vote fearlessly.
Elderly residents of Ganjri, Maheshwar Prasad, Babu Lal, Gendai and Manohar stated that the people in the area were not able to vote from 1970 to 1995 out of the fear of dacoits. After the dacoit gangs were wiped out, the people of Ganjar take part in voting process fearlessly. Buddhiram, Maheshwar and Kamta Prasad, residents of Sadna said that the terror of the dacoits was so much in their area that the people were not able to come out of their houses. The situation has changed. The police and administration also alert.
When the dacoit gangs were active in the district years ago, the voting percentage was also affected. In the 1971 election, 43% polling was recorded. The people became aware gradually and in 2009, the polling was 54%.
Superintendent of police Tehsildar Singh said that elaborate security arrangements would remain in place during the elections. There is no fear of dacoits. The villagers would be able to cast vote fearlessly. No dacoit gangs are active now.