Veernapalli, interior village in Yellareddypet mandal, once a naxalite bastion for Maoists and Janashakti group of naxalites, has now opened its door for developmental works under the ‘Sansad Awas Grama Yojana’ (SAGY) scheme taken up by the Union government.
Those were the days when the police or elected representatives were scared to visit the village due to the presence of naxalites and its location abutting dense forests. There were incidents of killing of several civilians, branding them as informers, and the naxalites being killed in exchange of fire with the police.
“If there was a violent incident in the village, we used to go with about 50 and odd armed personnel by taking all precautionary measures,” recollects a police officer.
The village had also produced several dalam members of various groups of naxalites and also police personnel. The Janashakti naxalites have also constructed a memorial in the village. Predominantly dominated by the tribals, this village was selected by Karimnagar Member of Parliament B. Vinod Kumar under SAGY scheme. He visited the village on Friday to get first hand
information for taking up developmental works, of course amid tight police security cover.
Mr. Vinod Kumar was accorded a warm and rousing reception by the tribals. The tribal womenfolk welcomed him with their traditional dances. He shared pleasantries with the villagers and interacted with womenfolk, farmers, youth and others in the village.
Talking to The Hindu , the Karimnagar MP said that he had decided to adopt Veernapalli and adjoining seven hamlets under the SAGY scheme. I had selected the village because of interior location and as it is dominated by tribals. Besides, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had also assured to transform their lifestyle, he said.
As part of the programme, rural masses will be empowered about the importance cleanliness, hygiene, better farming activities, economic activities etc. Besides, the administration will also take up other social welfare programmes of providing ration cards, pensions, road connectivity, telephone facilities, library, internet etc.
He said that the programme will be formally inaugurated in a fortnight in the presence of Minister K. Taraka Rama Rao and district officials.