Title - Kumandi lives in fear of being caught in crossfire

DALTONGANJ: Frequent clashes between Maoists and security forces in and around Kumandi railway station, have instilled a sense of fear in the railway personnel working here. It comes under the Coal India Chord (CIC) section of Dhanbad railway division.SP Latehar Michael S Raj said, "For the Maoists, the existence of the Kumandi railway station is linked to their activity as all logistical support reaches them from the tracks. I do not see any reason as to why the Maoists will damage or destroy this railway station. That would be foolhardiness on their part."However, AK Mishra, assistant divisional engineer-cum-area officer of the railways, said, "We live and work at the mercy of God. It's a tough life. You never know when there is a clash between the rebels and the security forces. We live in the constant fear of being caught in the crossfire."Echoing similar sentiments, Santosh Tiwari, vice president of the East Central Railway Karamchari Union, said, "The railway personnel here are deprived of proper facilities, unlike their counterparts in the North Frontier Zone, which offers a bag of wherewithal and job security."

During massive anti-Maoist operations in the months of June and July codified as Jaal 4 in Kumandi, the security forces had set up some makeshift posts on the rooftop of the quarters of the railway men working at Kumandi railway station. The railway men were not too happy with such an arrangement.

Michael S Raj had then said, "These are temporary structures built with some bricks and sandbags. If it is a real eyesore to the railway men, they are free to dismantle it without any fear. The fact is that the increased presence of security forces has boosted the confidence of railway men in the area."

However, railway gangman Santosh Kumar said, he was harassed by security forces for no apparent reason. Braving all odds, he continues to live in Kumandi railway station. There are some who commute from Red-hit Latehar to Kumandi, covering a distance of 23 kms by train everyday. They'd rather take the trouble to commute for work than live a life of fear and insecurity in Kumandi.

Santosh Tiwari has urged for better and safe working conditions for railway men working at stations like Chipadohar, Hehegara, Demu, Richughutta, etc. Night duties at these railway stations are fraught with danger. He added that railway officials here do not live with their families as they do not want to jeopardize their lives.