Jamshedpur: Before dawn broke over the rain-soaked Saranda forest on Saturday, residents of Sangajata in West Singhbhum district assembled for a celebration that would have been difficult to imagine until recently.At 6 am, the national flag was unfurled in the remote village under Arahasa panchayat, once considered a Maoist stronghold. Former rebels, people earlier identified as Maoist sympathisers, villagers and police personnel stood together as the country marked its 80th Independence Day.For residents, the ceremony represented not just freedom from colonial rule, but release from nearly two decades of fear, violence and extremist control.Sangajata and adjoining villages had long been affected by Maoist activity. Cadres operating in the area were linked to attacks on security forces and civilians, IED blasts, killings and extortion. The region also witnessed encounters and exchanges of fire, including incidents in 2018 and 2023.Maoist influence had penetrated village life. Several residents allegedly worked as overground workers or supported extremist groups, while others were forced at gunpoint to provide food, shelter and logistical assistance. More than 40 civilians were reportedly killed in Maoist-related violence in surrounding villages. The bloodshed also created deep distrust between villagers and security personnel.Despite heavy rain and difficult terrain, Chakradharpur SDPO Dr Syed Mustafa Hashmi reached Sangajata around 5:30 am with personnel from Goilkera police station, following directions from West Singhbhum SP Amit Renu. The team interacted with residents before joining the flag-hoisting ceremony.The event came four days after West Singhbhum was declared Naxal-free on Aug 11, following the surrender of the district’s last three active Maoists under Operation Navjeevan-III.Hashmi told residents that sustained security operations and police outreach had freed Sangajata and neighbouring areas from Maoist control. Improved security, he said, was helping development and better connectivity reach the region.A health camp was also organised, where Hashmi, a qualified doctor, examined residents and provided medicines.The clearest sign of change came from the village’s children. Once raised amid violence and fear, many now spoke of becoming teachers, doctors and police officers — dreams signalling Sangajata’s new dawn.
