THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly two years ago, 62 Muslim families, all poor labourers, were forced to flee Bawri and Lak villages sandwiched between Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, following communal riots.
They left their houses, belongings and took refuge in a camp at Jaula, about 35 km from Muzaffarnagar district headquarters. While the administration bulldozed other camps, the CPM workers defended Jaula camp.
“We received Rs 60 lakh donation of which Kerala unit of CPM contributed Rs 55 lakh, collected in one single day. We selected 62 families. After distributing medicines, machines, warm clothes, blankets, quilts etc., it was decided to build a colony for them. The compensation from government was used for buying the land,” said CPM politburo member Subhashini Ali, who visits the Ekta Colony (Unity Colony) regularly, told DC.
The Ekta Colony, which has now taken the shape of a village, is on the main road. “Most men were construction workers so they completed the houses in a record time. Keys were handed over by politburo member M. A. Baby and M. B. Rajesh MP,” said Yameen Mohammad, an advocate who played a key role in their rehabilitation.
He said there are more than 2,000 people now staying in 176 houses. The children who left behind friends and schools, have now found new institutions and companions.
Since their homes had been destroyed completely, returning to village is out of question, he said and added that the men folk had taken up small works in adjoining towns to make a living.
“Poor people don’t have the time to keep thinking about the tragedy that happened to them. They cope and continue with life, looking after their families, bringing up their children and trying to survive,” said Shubhashini Ali.
The CPM is in constant touch with the people. "We have asked administration to provide water, electricity, brick lanes etc. The water tank has been installed but not connected. It’s a very tough job. The UP administration is generally apathetic towards the poor," she added.
