Residents in Maoist-hit Latehar region of Jharkhand celebrate Republic Day after seven years

Latehar, Jan 26 (ANI): Residents, including the students, in Maoist-hit Latehar District of Jharkhand celebrated the 63rd Republic Day, with fervour and enthusiasm after a gap of seven years.

The district's Saryu region had been bearing the brunt of Maoist attack for the past seven years as the Maoist had established their head quarter in this region.

"Because of the Maoists, we were not able to hoist the National flag. Today the officials came and we are very happy because we were able to hoist the National flag. The administration and the residents both are helping each other. We are ready to help the administration in every ways. After a long time, we have unfurled the Indian national flag on the occasion of Republic Day and this is why, all the people over here are very happy," said Ramnandan Naik, a villager.

Despite being hit by the Maoist attack, the school authorities, students and the residents came forward on the occasion and celebrated the Republic Day with zeal and passion.

Students were seen singing National anthem and organised a morning procession across the dense forest of the region.

"Today we have got an opportunity to sing the national anthem and to play the sports as well. Today, we are happy that after a long time, we were able to hoist the national flag," said Pooja Kumari, a student.

In spite of strong measures initiated by the Central Government to crush the ultras, the Maoist insurgency has gripped a third of the country, spreading into the interiors of 20 of India's 28 states.

Maoists have also significantly increased their presence in tribal and rural regions in the affected states of central Chhattisgarh state and eastern states such as Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa. (ANI)