Now, development is the watchword in Tripura's Mohiskhalla village

With militancy on the decline in the northeast, development and progress have become the new watchwords in states such as Tripura.

An example of this is Mohiskhalla village in south Tripura.

Once a hotbed of militancy, the village now is benefiting tremendously from development-related work.

Today, various central sponsored schemes are running here that have helped in the economic growth of the region. Roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna have made commuting and transportation of goods easy for the people.

A large numbers of villagers engaged in the construction of roads have got work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. This has helped the people improve their socioeconomic standards and lead a better life.

" More than 40 percent of work on the roads has been completed. Earlier we had no roads and if we had to take anyone to hospital then we had to hire a vehicle but now they are available here and so it is of great benefit to us," said Sanjay Debbarma, a villager.

"I got work under the NREGA and it has helped me educate my children. Everyone here has benefited as they get to earn from the NREGA scheme," added Pragya Debbarma, another villager.

A large numbers of people here are also engaged in farming. They are adopting newer farming techniques and using quality seeds for better yields. Several women in the village have taken to piggery and poultry that adds to their family income. They also practice weaving in their courtyards and sell the cloth in the open market.

"I work on the loom and sell the cloth I produce. I also get some money from different schemes and my son is also earning money by working under NREGA," said Santa Kumari Debbarma, a villager.

The decline in insurgency now allows children to attend regular classes. The government is encouraging every child to attend classes by providing facilities like mid-day meal, free books and stationary.

Under the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan' scheme, the school infrastructure too has improved.

"The government provides free textbooks, uniforms and mid-day meals to the students. Now more students are coming to the school than earlier," said Sraban Kumar Debbarma, school in-charge. (ANI)