Nights come alive in Dera Ki Gali
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Dera Ki Gali-Surankote (Poonch), March 6
From a den of militancy to the best example of return to normalcy. This is the pleasing transformation of this region, where people were once even afraid of venturing out during daytime.

There was a time when troops preferred not to tread through this militancy-hit area on the Jammu-Poonch Highway after the sunset, but in what can be seen as a sign of return to normalcy in the state, vehicles are now plying even late at night through this densely-forested area.

Children carry fuelwood near the Dera Ki Gali area on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway. Photo by the writer

Things were particularly alarming when District and Sessions Judge, Rajouri, VK Phull, his two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and three others were killed at Donar village, about 2 km from here, on December 5, 2001.

But things have changed for better now with the area remaining comparatively free of any sought of militant activity for long.

“This area used to be so heavily infested by militants that a few years ago, leave alone the common man, even the security forces wouldn’t prefer to take this route after the sunset. But the security forces have managed to clear this area of the militants. Now, not only the vehicular traffic but also we can move in the area till late night”, said Feroz Khan, a local farmer. “We salute the security forces for keeping this area clear of militant activity”.

Not only are the locals happy over the returning of normalcy in the area, even commercial vehicle drivers are elated.

“My earnings have increased thanks to the peace that has returned in the area. I get many passengers wanting to travel even at the dead of night now”, said Ali, a Tata Sumo driver.

A police official said effort of security forces, political will and cooperation of the masses has brought in the sea change in the life of inhabitants.

Most of the people here are Gujjars, who were dependent on the highway for living. Farmers can now easily transport agriculture produce and business activity has also improved.