Transformation in Sukma's Arlampalli as Former Sarpanch Sodhi Handa Recalls 1990 Naxal Violence Over Education During a peace gathering in Sukma's Arlampalli village, former Sarpanch Sodhi Handa recalled how Naxalites broke both his hands in 1990 to stop him from pursuing education after class 12. In a historic transformation across the Naxal-affected belts of Chhattisgarh, regions once gripped by red terror are witnessing a peaceful resurgence. A striking example of this shift unfolded in Arlampalli village, located in the Sukma district, where local residents and security forces recently gathered for a community outreach event. The atmosphere of fear that once dominated these remote forest terrains is gradually giving way to stability, marked by the unfurling of the national flag in former extremist strongholds on Independence Day and the establishment of regular development initiatives by the Chhattisgarh Police. From Terror Courts to Peace Assemblies For decades, villages like Arlampalli endured severe hardship under the shadow of armed extremist groups. Naxalites frequently convened public courts, known as Jan Adalats, to impose arbitrary rules, issue threats, and punish villagers who resisted their ideology. Changing this dynamic, the Chhattisgarh Police organized a community gathering titled Shanti Ki Chaupal in Arlampalli. The initiative aimed to replace the legacy of intimidation with open dialogue, police outreach, and civic development programs, providing a platform for villagers to share their past struggles and present aspirations. The 1990 Ordeal of Former Sarpanch Sodhi Handa During the peace assembly, former village Sarpanch Sodhi Handa recounted a harrowing incident from 1990 that highlighted the hostility of extremist groups toward education. At the time, Sodhi Handa was a student pursuing his 12th-grade education and participating in a local public awareness campaign in Kistaram. This awareness drive was initiated by Late Mahendra Karma to rally rural communities against extremist violence. Sodhi Handa and several fellow youths were actively supporting the movement when insurgents targeted them during a night rally. Fearing that educated villagers would understand legal frameworks and oppose their oppressive tactics, the insurgents targeted Sodhi Handa specifically to halt his academic progress. Extremist cadres declared that an educated young person would create obstacles for their organization. To ensure he could no longer study or write, they brutally fractured both of his hands. Recalling the tragic assault, Sodhi Handa stated, "They feared that higher education would make me understand their rules, so they broke both my hands in class 12." Although the violence permanently ended his formal education, he survived the brutal assault and remained deeply committed to his community. Community Resilience and Protecting Local Schools Beyond personal targeted attacks, the insurgents also sought to destroy essential civic infrastructure to keep rural populations isolated. Extremist groups repeatedly attempted to demolish the historic Arlampalli school building along with the village Panchayat Bhavan. However, the residents of Arlampalli demonstrated extraordinary courage by standing united against the attackers. Led by local elders and community members, the villagers refused to allow the destruction of their educational facilities. Because of their collective determination, both the school and the Panchayat Bhavan remain standing intact today. Restoring Public Trust and Security The sustained presence of law enforcement and administrative authorities in remote pockets of Sukma has significantly boosted public morale. Villagers in Arlampalli note that regular police patrols and administrative outreach have instilled a sense of protection that was absent for decades. The transition from fear to security has enabled local children to attend school without threat, while development welfare schemes gradually reach the interior parts of the district. The story of Sodhi Handa and Arlampalli serves as a testament to the resilience of tribal communities in Bastar and the ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace to the region. What this means for you • Across India: The resurgence of peace in formerly extremist-dominated zones enhances internal security and paves the way for rural development. • In Chhattisgarh: Increased security presence in interior districts like Sukma allows remote communities to access education and public welfare without fear. Questions & Answers 1. What happened to former Sarpanch Sodhi Handa in Sukma's Arlampalli in 1990? In 1990, while studying in 12th grade, Sodhi Handa had both his hands broken by Naxalites who wanted to stop his education. 2. Why did Naxalites target Sodhi Handa when he was a student? They feared that higher education would enable him to understand their illegal rules and oppose their authority in the area. 3. How did Arlampalli villagers protect their local school building? Villagers stood united against extremist demolition attempts, successfully safeguarding their historic school and Panchayat Bhavan. 4. What event did the Chhattisgarh Police recently organize in Arlampalli? The police organized a community peace gathering called Shanti Ki Chaupal to foster public trust and support rural development. 5. Who initiated the public awareness campaign mentioned by Sodhi Handa? The awareness campaign in Kistaram was initiated by Late Mahendra Karma and supported by local community members. Inspiration & Lessons • Unwavering Commitment to Education: Despite enduring severe physical violence, Sodhi Handa maintained a constructive dedication to his community and education. • Strength of Community Unity: Villagers in Arlampalli stood united to resist violence and successfully protected their school and local governance infrastructure. • Courage Against Oppression: Standing firm for public awareness and civic rights during difficult times serves as a powerful lesson in resilience. https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/sukma-ke-arlampalli-men-badali-tasvira-1990-men-parhai-rokane-ke-lie-hatha-gnvane-vale-purva-sarapncha-sodhi-handa-ne-sunai-apabit-19787 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.