It's a real "ghar wapsi" for many Hindus in Kairana, a western Uttar Pradesh city that saw the mass exodus of Hindus in recent years.

Just about a year ago, Kairana was synonymous to the most feared gangsters who forced the Hindus to flee but for the panic-stricken population of Kairana, the 10-month rule of Yogi government is nothing less than a miracle.

More than a dozen Hindu families have returned to Kairana after a visible improvement in the law and order situation during this period.

Wall-writings like 'ye ghar bikaau hai (this house is for sale)' are nowhere to be seen. People have started their business again and property rates here are on the rise. As locals said there was no buyer in the city a few months back, but the new government in the state has brought about the change.

"Nayi sarkar me mahaul badala hai (the atmosphere has changed under the new government)" is the phrase heard from all in the city. According to locals, at least 12-15 families have come back to the city.

Ankur Mittal, a cinema hall owner, who left Kairana to settle in Haridwar with his family in 2014, is back to the city and planning to restart his business.

"This year, I will be bringing my children to Kairana to celebrate Holi. There is no fear; situation has improved a lot. Earlier, when I used to visit Kairana from Haridwar, my wife would consistently be on phone until I left from there. But now, even she is ready to return to Kairana," Mittal told Mail Today.

Terrified by a spate of murders in 2014, Mittal fled the city overnight and set up a new business in Haridwar.

"I had got an extortion call for Rs 5 lakh. In August 2014, three businessmen were killed on the streets in broad daylight. I could be one of them. I got my children admitted to a school in Dehradun and settled with my mother and wife in Haridwar," he said.

Varun Kumar, 30, who saw the murder of his elder brother Vinod Kumar outside their shop in the crowded Chowk Bazar market, also feels the change.

"We shut down our shop after brother's murder. But things seem to have changed a lot. There is no fear in the city; police have arrested most of the gangsters and even killed some of them. Now, we can hope for a better living," Varun said. His brother Vinod was the first businessman in Kairana who was killed for not giving the extortion money.

Earlier this month, police killed sharpshooter Shabir Ahmed, calling it their biggest catch in west UP.

Ahmed carried a bounty of Rs 50,000 and had more than 20 cases of loot and murder against him.

While Mukim Kala is in jail, most of the gang members are either behind bars or killed. Ahmed was the only prominent one who was still operating after Mukim's brother Wasim was killed in an encounter three months ago.

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