Residents of Hagalaganchi village, who played a role in Maoists’ return to mainstream, appeal to CM for road repair

The residents of Hagalaganchi in Sringeri taluk, some of whom played a crucial role in the recent Maoists’ return to mainstream, have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to improve the road that connects the village to Gadikal in Sringeri taluk.

The residents of Hagalaganchi in Sringeri taluk, some of whom played a crucial role in the recent Maoists’ return to mainstream, have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to improve the road that connects the village to Gadikal in Sringeri taluk.

The bad state of the 5-km stretch has hit students, villagers, and regular commuters. Vehicles of private schools cannot reach the village, forcing parents to drop their children off at Gadikal, braving the tough terrain. “During the rainy season, we carry a pickaxe in our vehicle so that we can clear the road to move ahead,” said Ravi Jogibyl, a resident of the locality.

Recently, six Maoists returned to the mainstream accepting the State government’s policy to rehabilitate left-wing extremists. The residents of Hagalaganchi played a role in the episode. The Maoists came in contact with the people of Hagalaganchi and through them they tried to contact the representatives of the State committee to oversee the rehabilitation policy. The process took a few days before finally they joined the mainstream in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on January 8.

Mr. Jogibyl, in a post on social media, appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure the road is repaired, reminding the CM of the villagers’ role in the surrender of the Maoists. “Now, the Maoist issue has been resolved. We are not expecting a token of appreciation from you for the role we played. The State had been spending huge money to contain Maoists. That has been saved. We wish the amount is spent towards improving the roads in our village,” he wrote.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Jogibyl said the road would benefit 15-20 families in the village, besides those travelling to other villages in the taluk. “We have been demanding repair of the road for over 10 years. My family members are fed up travelling on the stretch daily. I hope the Chief Minister responds to our plea,” he added.