The thick presence of Madhes-based armed groups would leave every locals and wayfarers praying for their lives if they happened to be out in or around the village after dusk.No one dared to travel alone in that area for fear of being robbed, kidnapped or even getting killed. Gunshots could be heard frequently during those days.
Harish Chandra Mahato, a local, said, "We spent our days and nights in dread during those times."
His fears were not baseless. The locals not only had to make donations to the criminal groups but also provide them place to keep their kidnapped victims.
"We were torn between helping criminals and the legal consequences that came with it," said Arjun Thapaliya, a local of neighboring Lalpur village.
Then INSEC Siraha initiated an operation three years ago to reduce security threats. The organization helped locals to pressurize the government bodies to set-up police post. Then finally the police post was set-up one-and-a-half years ago. Another organization, Safer World, had provided four mobile phone sets and bicycle to the police personnel deployed in the post. Now the locals of Ayodhyanagar have easy access to security.
With this, peace has finally returned to the village and criminal activities are gradually decreasing. "Restoration of peace is leading to urbanization of the place," said Dev Raj Pokharel, INSEC district coordinator.
The place is now attracting many entrepreneurs and businesspersons. The peace and order have convinced dozens of private banks to set up their branches in the area. Many villages and towns, including economically significant Lahan bazaar, are booming. People hope the prosperity they are seeing in the area would keep it from falling back to the dark days of the past.
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