Women cadres in ULFA include active combatants who play different roles. The ratio of women cadres to men is 2:10. According to a study by the Northeast Network, it came to be known that women combatants are often not seen as important contributors and participants in combat and often do not receive equal treatment at the negotiating table.
According to
a respondent in the study, many girls did not have the slightest idea what it
was all about. Some came for adventure; sometimes parents willingly offered
their daughters to the outfit but most of the women (respondent) join the
outfit voluntarily, though a case of forceful induction also emerged during the
course of study. Though they were all enthusiastic, only a few were assigned
responsible roles. Patriarchal perceptions regarding gender division of labour,
discriminatory roles and responsibilities had strongly permeated into the
outfit.
Women cadres
did valiant work as messengers and carriers of arms— the responsibilities which
were difficult for men to carry out. One respondent said that when operation
Bajrang came there was helplessness all around the camps. She began her journey
from Sadiya to Dhubri crossing 55 check point gates. Women have also performed
the role of shielding their male compatriots. Despite the critical roles played
by women within the outfit, the recognition given to them has been nominal;
they were never given high ranks or designations.4
(Armed
struggle, identity and the state – experiences of women in conflict situation
in Assam, India - A report by Northeast Network, 2014)
