Bizarrely but anti-democratic activities have gone on the ebb as democracy is likely to prevail in the extremism-stricken Khunti where guns have always been a challenge to the means of governance and a hurdle in the way people are part of it. Nonetheless, as Khunti is getting ready to take part in Assembly elections people look relieved and skeptical at the same time about threats during the elections.

Khunti is going to polls on December 2 and under the shadow of threats issued by extremist organisation—People’s liberation Front of India (PlFI)—during lok Sabha elections. The threats to voters and activities to intimidate candidates of political parties to discourage them from campaigning had led to the fear of bloodshed during polls.

“Yes, there was an order from the people of jungle (extremists) regarding people to vote but no such orders have been issued for this (Assembly) election. Parties are campaigning freely. I have not heard anything from neighbouring villages either,” said Rosu Munda of Dugdugiya in Khunti.

The silence is unusual for Khunti which hogs limelight every now and then for clashes between security forces and PlFI. Incidentally, during lS elections social activist turned politician Dayamani Barla had reportedly alleged that her campaigning was obstructed by PlFI and that the organization did so to promote another political party in the region. Despite the PlFI’s attempts Khunti had registered 66.28 per cent voter turnout in lS elections.

But peaceful election in constituencies that went to polls in the first phase of Assembly elections in Jharkhand has boosted the confidence of rural populace of Khunti living under the shadow of PlFI and often caught in the cross-fire between the extremist organisation and security forces.

“In spite of this being a harvesting season people are eager to vote. This (voting) is also important and like parliamentary elections will also see a good turnout. There must be good deployment of forces to ensure that we vote without any fear,” said Hari Munda of Akta village in Khunti.

Even as first phase constituencies saw boycott orders issued by left-wing extremists, villagers deny such dictat for Assembly elections although they are skeptical about the silence as brief skirmishes between PlFI and security forces keep taking place every now and then. The fear is palpable as people shy away when confronted with the question of PlFI and threats issued by the organization with regard to elections.

“let us see. They are silent. Hope they remain so and allow voting to take place,” was the fleeting response of a villager of Akta.

Contrary to the rural areas, urban parts of Khunti defies existence of threat as people move freely and with confidence due to presence of security forces who by posture appear to be more determined about upholding the tenets of democracy in the district.