Bhubaneswar, Oct. 15 -- For years, the remote and hilly pockets of Koraput district lived under the shadow of Maoist violence. Fear, armed clashes and explosions had become part of everyday life for many tribal villagers. These days, the Maoist presence has largely faded from these areas, but a different struggle remains-the wait for basic development.

Dokari Ghati, once known as a Maoist stronghold in Koraput's Narayanpatna block, has witnessed a significant change. Villagers who once feared stepping out of their homes can now move around more freely. The area that once echoed with gunfire and explosions is now relatively peaceful.

"We earlier suffered without roads, schools and mobile connectivity. Now at least, we use mobile phones. ...