Kandhmal: The wounds of communal violence are still raw, but Kandhmal Christians are determined to cast their vote.
Hundreds of them are heading for their villages for the first phase of polling on Thursday.
Kandhmal has not reported communal violence since November and many who had to flee the riot-ravaged district last year are returning to cast their vote in favour of peace.
It looks like an uneasy homecoming, but one that is filled with optimism too!
Communal clashes forced these villagers to flee Kandhmal last year and go to Bhubaneshwar as daily-wagers. Now, they are going back to Kandhmal to exercise their right to vote with one prayer - peace.
"We felt if we don't vote there would be no one to stand up for us. That is why we are on our way back," says Jitendra, a riot victim.
"We believe the new people who would get elected will take care of all communities and bring back peace. We will be able to return to our villages and live without problems," says another.
There are still two thousand odd Christian voters living in relief camps in Kandhmal. The administration says it has provided enough security for voting to go off peacefully.
Some voters may still be apprehensive, but the general mood in Kandhmal is upbeat.