A continuation of my previous blog- "The Untold Story"

Somewhere in the Garo Hills, on one of those days between 3rd January to 28th February 2011, a heavy-vehicle carrying a group of anti-socials, traversed a small village road and rammed itself into the walls of the Anganwadi Centre (AWC). The building that stood alone in a field of emptiness and unprotected as it were, was an enticing target for the ruffians. Not able to withstand the pressure- its walls, doors and windows came crashing down at the impact and only four of its pillars survived to tell the tale of the tense disquietude that followed for nearly two months thereafter.  

Funded under ICDS, the centre meant to serve the children their mid-day meals, gave them space to play and learn the basic cognitive skills at an early age. At that time, it catered to at least 30 children of the village. 

On my recent trip to Resubelpara Block of North Garo Hills district along with my team, I had the privilege to visit and interact with the residents of the serene Moranodi. The Rabhas, a community living among the Garo for ages are a peace-loving and culturally rich people involved in agriculture, weaving and fishing and others. They sent their children to the same schools, sold and bought produce at the same market, and even speak the same language. 

On the 3rd January 2011, as the news of the violence spread from neighboring villages, the residents- men, women, youth and children- decided to flee from the area. They took shelter during the night in the nearby forest not knowing what would happen and at day break, help came from the nearby police outpost. The police were willing to transport them to the nearest relief camp in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills. However, they declined the offer as they fear for their lives in Meghalaya and instead chose to take shelter in the State of Assam and were accordingly transported to one of the thirteen (13) relief camps arranged for the Rabhas. There, with the constant support of various communities and organizations in the form of food and shelter, they stayed for over two months till the situation returned to near normal back home. This home that they came back to, was burned and destroyed in a span of two months. Their livelihoods were snatched, their houses were reduced to ashes. 

Playing a positive role, the Government of Meghalaya assured safety and security to the people on returning home. Further, it promised CGI sheets and an amount of Rs. 10,000/- to each family to re-build their homes and restart afresh. Being a community that relies on agriculture, the  village received two power tillers. 

A wound cannot be easily healed without care; similarly, a conflict would not fade on its own without positive reinforcements. Realizing the vulnerability of the two groups, many came forward with strategies to bring back the peace and tranquility. The Church leaders and Peace Communities created platforms for sharing, meetings, discussions and even organized sports meet. This bridged the gaping wound created by the conflict and slowly mended the broken souls and reinstated the spirit of brotherhood.  Now, after more than a decade, they live and work in harmony. No doubt, a few promises are still unfulfilled, yet with nothing holding them back, they are rebuilding. 

Sitting at the heart of the destroyed AWC and chatting with the Sordar and other villagers, it was an eye opener. People still do not know why the whole incident occurred, they just had to flee for their lives. "Border issue" (ironically within the same country) has been a bone of contention between the two States. Who engineered the conflict and how, there is no way to tell a good decade later. But everyone played a role in bringing the peace back and rebuilding- the Church, the Press, the Government and different organizations. The re-building, physically, economically and emotionally, would be a long process. Substituting fear, mistrust and anger that filled the hearts of the victims with hope and trust will take a long time. 

There is also a need for some remorse. Why should innocent people become pawns in a bigger uglier battle? How should it matter as to who lives on which side of the border in the same country? Why should they live in constant fear? Living together in harmony and encouraging unity in diversity- are they such unachievable goals? How long should we live as fragmented pieces? Whenever and wherever possible, we identify ourselves differently and let loose the emotions tied to our differences. We seem more keen on ignoring the commonalities and accentuating differences! 

When asked, the message that the Sordar wanted to share was, "What happened has happened, we want peace in the community". 

As for those who are in a position capable of making decisions, they should be STRONG WILLED and DETERMINED to not only act on these symptoms but to remove the thorn once and for all. It is heart-warming to learn that the AWC still functions from the remnants, and caters to the need of 40 children. As I write this piece, all I can say is- YES, initiatives have been taken to re-build the AWC. Joint surveys were carried out by the Technical Assistants and officials of MGNREGA and ICDS. Most likely, the building will get a new look and it requires the Village Employment Council (VEC) to responsibly carry out the construction. Together, we can!

With the Sordar
The hopefuls


Special mention_ 

J, you inspire me to write... 

Thankful to Shri. K.N. Kumar, ( retired IAS) for editing this piece

Also grateful to the residents of Moranodi, to name a few- Khargeswar Rabha (Sordar), Dimbeswar Rabha (VEC Secretary), Anil Kumar Rabha (VEC President), Lakshni Rabha (ASHA worker), KALANI Rabha (Anganwadi helper), Goborsingh Rabha, Diripon Rabha, Kakhal Rabha, Ujira Rabha, Albert Rabha 

To my colleagues from the district and block Stranger G. Momin, McLaren K. Marak, and to my team Hamkylla, Eddieson, Nangkyntiew, Quismitha, Kashbichand, Dilsrang, thanks for your contribution.