Sheela Shah, the widow of Rajesh Shah, who was killed in a suspected Ulfa attack on August 12, 2016 at Bamungaon Phillobari in Tinsukia district, has reiterated her demand for a secure life and security for her family and property, which was promised to her and to an another survivor, Ranjit Shah. “The government had promised us jobs within six months. Where are the jobs?” She asked.

“We visited the deputy commissioner’s office several times and they said the papers have been forwarded. After a new deputy commissioner came, a security camp near our house has been closed down. We feel insecure, both economically and socially. Without a job, how will I educate and bring up my child,” Sheela asked.

Ranjit, who had sustained multiple bullet injury in his left hand, is now unable to do any physical work . Ranjit said, “Will the government take care of us or will we be used as vote banks for the political parties?”

On the other hand, survivors in Natun Maithong Bijulibon atPhillobari expressed deep faith in democracy on Tuesday and said they will cast their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to choose a capable government at the Centre.

Moreover, they demanded that the government adopt safety measures for peace in Assam.

Akshaylal Sah, who was injured in another attack on July 14, 2015, by alleged Ulfa (I) militants that killed two, said, “We want peace in Tinsukia. Though we belong to a Hindi-speaking community, we have adopted Assamese language and culture for long . We are more Assamese in our hearts.”

“The recent attack on the Bengali community at Bishonimukh, Kherbari village at Dhola (Saikhowa) where five people were killed on November 1 last year shows terrorism has not come to an end. The government should check this by giving top priority to the safety and security of the life and property of the people,” Akshaylal said.

Raju Shah, another injured in he July 2015 attack, is now a first-time voter. Raju said, “A police patrol team is urgently required, especially at night. I am sometimes scared just by the sound of wind whistling through our bamboo orchard. I am haunted by nightmares quite often, from the time the incident happened.”

Tikaram Chetri, a local tea garden owner from the Nepali community, said, “The situation has improved here since 2016. But, I expect more from the Centre and the state government.”

Some parts of the Phillobari falls under Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency and some under Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. Pradan Barua and Rameshwar Teli are the BJP candidates for Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh, while Anil Borgohain and Paban Singh Ghatowar are the Congress candidates.