Naxalbari (West Bengal), April 14 (NationPress) The isolated village of Hatighisa in the Naxalbari region of West Bengal is characterized by neglect, insufficient basic facilities, and mounting dissatisfaction among its inhabitants, who feel that progress has largely ignored their community.

Local residents claim that, despite numerous assurances, actual improvements remain minimal.

Essential infrastructure such as adequate drinking water, healthcare services, educational institutions, and safety measures for roads are either inadequate or completely lacking, forcing the populace to endure harsh living conditions.

In an interview with IANS, a local woman shared the daily challenges faced by the villagers.

She mentioned that previously, there were no proper provisions for drinking water, with locals relying on nearby rivers and waterfalls to quench their thirst.

Although some minor advancements have occurred over time, she stated that these are far from what was pledged.

She expressed her frustration at the unfulfilled promises made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, noting that despite her visit to a nearby area where she vowed to support the village, tangible development has been disappointingly limited.

She lamented, "Mamata Didi has not returned here. She visited a nearby location and pledged to adopt our village. She promised to install tubelights along the entire road, but only a few have been put in place after significant effort. Many areas remain poorly lit, which raises safety issues, particularly for women."

Another local resident, who works as a driver, echoed her sentiments.

He pointed out the lack of quality education and healthcare services in the area, stating that there isn’t even a decent school for children or a reliable medical facility for emergencies.

"There are numerous issues here. From what we can see, there is no proper development work happening in our state. We don’t want such a government. We demand a government that prioritizes quality education and the construction of proper hospitals," he stated.

Hatighisa is situated in the Naxalbari belt, a region historically significant for the peasant uprising led by Kanu Sanyal.

While the area once represented political awareness and resistance, many locals now claim that their current reality is dominated by poverty, unemployment, and a dearth of opportunities.

Residents also voiced concerns about women's safety, inadequate connectivity, and limited job prospects, which they argue exacerbate their struggles.

Many families continue to depend on daily wage labor or small-scale jobs to survive.

Despite these challenges, there remains a flicker of hope among the villagers.

As the West Bengal Assembly elections draw near, residents express their desire for change.

However, life in Hatighisa remains a constant battle, with locals eagerly awaiting promises to become a reality.