As elections approach in West Bengal, Jorpatki village in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar district, is preparing for a tense polling atmosphere marked by the memories of a tragic incident during the 2021 elections, where four people were killed by central forces. Despite a prevailing sense of fear, many residents are determined to exercise their right to vote. The polling booth at Amtali Madhyamik Shiksha Kendra, the site of the 2021 violence, stands as a stark reminder of that day. With central forces deployed again for security, residents like Ruksana Begum express a mix of hope and apprehension, stating their desire to vote but fearing a repeat of past violence. The area, which has a significant minority population of approximately 58%, has seen conversations shift towards the importance of ensuring a peaceful voting process. While some families have received compensation for their losses, the community remains on edge, particularly with reports of voter name deletions from the electoral rolls. Local residents are cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that security assurances from election authorities have encouraged them to participate, yet the haunting memories of 2021 continue to influence their outlook as polling day approaches.