Chhattisgarh school reopens 14 years after being destroyed by Naxals

A primary school, which was closed down after being allegedly demolished by Naxals, was reopened in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district after 14 years. As many as 52 children took admission to the school on the day of its inauguration.

Bijapur (Chhattisgarh):The children of Padmoor village in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, will finally be able to attend school as the only primary school in the village, which was closed down following threats from Naxalites, was re-opened on Wednesday after 14 years.

Padmoor, a village once deserted by its residents following alleged Naxal attacks between 2005 and 2006, has been witnessing a steady inflow of people since 2012.

The school, which was established in 1964, was demolished by alleged Naxalites after the villagers revolted against them.

Village head Gonde Somu and village headman of Gangaluru village Mangal Rana inaugurated the school which was decorated with balloons by the villagers.

"For several years, children were deprived of education, but the reopening of the school will provide the children with an opportunity to pursue education," said Gonde Somu.

As many as 52 children took admission to the school and they were handed books, notebooks, other educational material and some sports equipment on the day of inauguration. They were even offered mid-day meal at the school.

Block Educational Officer Mohammad Zakir Khan, who played a key role in the reopening of the school, said that this will send a positive message to all the villages where there is no education facility.

Khan has been instrumental in reopening of schools in several Naxal-hit villages including Kudder, Gundapur, Japeli, Durdha, Mosala and Gumraax.