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
