Even after sixty years of independence this town of martyrs is still waiting for freedom from bondage.
The people in Chauri-Chaura are still craving for the basic civic facilities including road, potable water, drains, electricity supply and medical facilities. The promises made by the leaders of various political parties remained limited to the papers. The residents feel that there is need of another struggle to free the country from the clutches of the corrupt politicians.
KK Gupta, a member of local traders association, says the British government hanged 19 freedom fighters on July 1, 1923. "The freedom fighters laid down their life for the freedom of the country. They dreamt that democratic government elected by the people would work for the welfare of the common masses and development. But the dream of the martyrs had gone sour, today Chauri-Chaura is in grip of poverty and backwardness," he rued.
Shiv Narayan who runs a drugstore says just go to the martyr’s memorial to see its in pitiable condition. "You can well understand the apathy of the government and administration not only toward the martyrs but also to this historic place," he said.
When asked which political party they are going to vote for Jagat Chaudhary a school-teacher says, "we have given chance to all he political parties. We are disillusioned with the political parties as it had failed to fulfill our aspirations. Do not blame Election Commission for low political percentage but the voting graph has gone bearish due to discontentment prevailing among the voters," Chaudhary sums up.
View of Ajit Singh, a constable posted at Chauri- Chaura police station, was no different. "On February 4, 1922 a group of angry Satyagrahis have set the police station ablaze. Twenty-three police men were burned alive. Later a memorial was erected in the premises of the police station. Large number of tourists visits here to have a glimpse of the old police station and the memorial. But they return dejected seeing the condition inside the station. Policemen posted here are forced to stay in the horse stable constructed during the British period," Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}View of Ajit Singh, a constable posted at Chauri- Chaura police station, was no different. "On February 4, 1922 a group of angry Satyagrahis have set the police station ablaze. Twenty-three police men were burned alive. Later a memorial was erected in the premises of the police station. Large number of tourists visits here to have a glimpse of the old police station and the memorial. But they return dejected seeing the condition inside the station. Policemen posted here are forced to stay in the horse stable constructed during the British period," Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}When asked about the projects launched by the sitting MLA Sharda Devi, the people tell about her rag to riches story. Manoj Kumar student of local inter college says "Sharda represented Mundera Bazar constituency (Chauri- Chaura is located in this SC/ST reserved constituency) five times. She belonged to a humble family and her simple life impressed the people. But today she owns a fleet of car, half a dozen houses and acres of agriculture land. The condition of Chauri-Chaura had not improved but that of peoples representatives have changed dramatically," he said.