Kandhmal: When one speaks of a democracy, it is free and fair elections that describe it. But that is certainly not the case in Orissa's Kandhamal district where the impact of the communal riots last year is the fear factor in the electorate.
A government anganwadi worker, Rajkumari Dighal, is one of thousands in Kandhamal who are struggling to pick up the pieces.
Rajkumari's brother-in-law was killed, and her house was burnt in the communal riots in August last year. She lost everything she owned. And eight months later, a self-styled committee in her village Dagapadar did not allow her to return.
"They shouted at me and abused me. They said withdraw your FIR or you can't stay here," Rajkumari said.
While Panos and tribal Christians were given an option to convert to Hinduism or leave, other pre-conditions were to withdraw cases and to vote for their candidate.
"The tension is palpable. We were threatened and intimidated at Badi Munda village by young men allegedly belonging to the RSS parivar. They did not want us to talk to the villagers," one of the villagers said.
They have to put up a flag to prove the household's allegiance to Hinduism.
"They forcibly made us eat coconut from the puja and burnt our Bible. Then they even broke our home and belongings," one of the residents said.
Those who did not convert, faced a social and economic boycott. Shopkeepers were not allowed to sell them goods and any Hindu neighbour who helped them was levied a fine of Rs 500. Roads were blocked and the Christian community was not allowed access to the forests to collect firewood.
Eight months on, thousands have left the district. Nearly 3,000 people like Rajkumari are forced to continue in relief camps. There is now fear and doubt over whether they can be a part of the coming elections.
"Voting is our fundamental right. Living in our houses is also our right, but now what can we do?" a resident said.
However, the district administration has said it will ensure police protection to those in the relief camps so that they can go to the polling stations in their villages.