GUWAHATI, May 24 � Emotions once again ran high at Narsingbari village in Baksa district under the BTAD.
Yet to get over from the shock that they had suffered during the targeted violence on May 1 and 2, it was another tough period that brought each one of the villagers together. It was the time to bid goodbye to three of the youngest and loveable inmates of the village � in the hope of a better future though.
These three children, orphaned by the recent violence in Baksa, were leaving for the Hojai-based SOS Village to start life afresh and away from the horrible memories of the mindless carnage.
A two-member team of the Hojai-based SOS Village on Thursday evening formally took custody of the children in the presence of the officials of the civil administration, Social Welfare Department and hundreds of emotional villagers.
With tears in their eyes, Samela Khatun (14), Rashida Khatun (10) and Ramzan Ali (8) sought the blessings of the elders and shook hands with their friends before boarding the official vehicle of the SOS Village.
�Samela, Rashida and Ramzan have agreed to be a part of the SOS Village. They were also counselled, and from now onwards, it would be the responsibility of the Government,� a senior civil administration official told The Assam Tribune.
These kids had lost their parents in the May 1 attack by suspected militants. The May 1 and 2 violence killed 39, including 22 children, villagers in Baksa district. Besides, six children, including two girls, were left orphaned.
While three of the six orphaned children have already reached the SOS Village in Hojai, counselling is on for others.
�It was tough for both the villagers and the children as well. The entire village was in tears. But common sense prevailed and the villagers found it better to send them to the SOS Village,� he said.
Youth coordinator Rafique Islam and counsellor Waheeda, both from the SOS Village, Hojai, took custody of the children after interacting with the villagers and the children for more than one hour.
Three other children are scheduled to be shifted in the next phase. An official said that it might be difficult for them to shift one of the remaining three children to the SOS Village because of her age, and an alternative option is being considered.
