Success Stories of Women’s groups countering State Repression and Violence by Insurgent groups

NE is known for the heroic role of its women against state repression and violence by insurgent groups.



During the Operation Bajrang and Operation Rhino various women groups in Assam played an important role. They formed groups to resist army operations. During army operations in some villages, women activists used to bang the plates to make the people alert, so as to resist the army. In some places, the youth arrested by army personnel were forcibly snatched back by the women groups. There were regular ‘Gherao’ programmes of army camps by women groups demanding release of innocent youth. In all such struggles, the ‘The Sadou Asom Pragatisil Nari Santha’ was in the forefront. On 25th Feb, 1991, when police came severely on the rally organized in Guwahati by IPF, the women participants fought with the police heroically (photos of demonstration, road block, rally are attached). The ARJWAC went from place to place to mobilize people against state repression (photo attached). In 2004, a citizen convention was organized jointly by SAPNS, KNCA, SAJSP, KSA5(key note address attached).

Against the violence by insurgent groups also, various women groups came out and condemned their activities. The attack on SAPNS on 11thFeb, 1998 by ULFA was a consequence of such criticism. In many cases of rape by army, the organizations were successful in compelling the authorities to punish the rapists. In Lejai Kolakhowa of Dibrugarh district, the accused was punished

accordingly in military court. The role of prominent women intellectuals like Late Mamoni Raisom Goswami in the peace process must be acknowledged. She tried to mediate between ULFA and the central government, but was not successful. Such heroic role of women of Assam in conflict situations will always be remembered in history. On the other hand, Jonaki Bat, a progressive women Assamese magazine has been playing an important role since its inception (1983) against atrocities by both state and terrorist groups. It has been experienced in the conflict areas that women’s protection cannot be ensured unless they protect themselves and take an offensive role when in danger. In such areas, women must be organized in groups. They must also be aware of their legal rights. The immediate need is to strengthen the movement to repeal the AFSPA.

Abbreviation:

ULFA: United Liberation Front of Assam

NDFB: The National Democratic Front of Bodoland

KNV: Karbi National Volunteers

KPF: Karbi People’s Front

BPAC: Bodo Peoples’ Autonomous Council

KLO: Kamtapur Liberation Organization.

BLT: Boro Liberation Tiger

BWJF: Bodo Women Justice Front

TMMK: Takam Missing Mime Kebang

ABWF: All Boro Women Federation

KNCA: Karbi Nimcho Chingthur Asong

IPF: Indian People’s Front

SAPNS: Sadou Axom Pragatisil Nari Santha

SAJSP: Sadou Axom Janasanskritik Parisod

KSA:  Karbi Student Association

KRA: Karbi Revolutionary Army

AIPWA: All India Progressive Women Association

UPDS: United Peoples’ Democratic Solidarity

AASU: All Assam Student Union

ARJWAC: Anti Repression Joint Women Action Committee

RNHPF:  Rengma Naga Hills Protection Force

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