Women’s Social Movements of North East India
Recently, the 19th Meira Paibi Numit was observed in Manipur. Meira Paibi or Women Torchbearers is a women’s social movement in Manipur. This movement was launched in 1980s against the AFPSA Act imposed in the state. We note here that Manipuri women are perhaps the most politically empowered in India and this state has witnessed several women’s social movements’ right since British Era.
For your examination, we are having a broader look at various women led social movements in North East India.
Women and Political Representation in North East
As per the census figures, there are more women than men in North East, yet the representation of women in the elected houses is meager. Currently, Nagaland & Mizoram have no women MLAs. Very few women have been able to win seats in local assembly polls since independence. It is understandable that political situation is unstable in North East and hence men take charge but even in more stable states such as Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura Arunachal Pradesh, there are only few MLAs. Further, we have studied in previous documents that in Nagaland, the people were railing against having women’s quota in the local bodies.
There are several reasons for this including paternalistic societies; women themselves confining to home making and children; marginalization of women in institutional politics etc.
However, despite of a weak representation in institutional politics, women in North East are known for their active participation in social, economic, cultural and political life. The women in North East are found to be independent, courageous and assertive and react assertively against social wrong doings. This apart, the several women’s peace groups in Manipur and Nagaland have achieved enormous success. Thus, despite of nominal presence in electoral politics, there are other areas in the public life where North East women have made their presence felt.
Women’s movements in Manipur
As mentioned above, the women in Manipur are more empowered than almost all states of India. The women in the state have inherited active participation of earlier women in the socio-economic movements. The key movements led by women in the state of Manipur are Nupi Lan {two movements in 1904 and 1939}, Meira Paibis and Nisha Bandh.
Nupi Lan or Nupi Lal (Women’s War)
Nupi Lan (women’s war) refers to two historic movements of Manipuri women against the exploitation and artificial famine created by British policies in 1904 and 1939.
First Nupi Lan broke out in 1904 against a British order to send Manipur men to Kabow Valley to fetch timber for rebuilding the bungalow of the Police Agent under so called Lalup (kind of Begar or forced labour). It was fiercely opposed by 5000 women and turned into a sort of uprising that lasted for a week. The British were able to suppress the movement but had to take their order back.
The second Nupi Lan was triggered in 1939 due to indiscriminate export of rice from Manipur by Marwari businessmen with the support of British. This resulted in chak tangba (inflation of food /rice) and an artificial famine in Manipur despite of being a harvest season. The movement started as an agitation against the policies of British and Local Maharaja. British responded by deploying heavy army and police force against the unarmed women protesters. Some of the protesters lost their lives also but ultimately this movement evolved into administrative and constitutional reforms in the state. Every year, this uprising against the artificial rice scarcity is observed on December 12.
Nisha Bandis (ban on alcoholism)
This movement started in 1970s due to activism of the Meitei women against alcoholism and drug addiction. The women held night marches in Imphal and other places carrying lanterns, chastising the intoxicated, and setting fire to liquor shops. This led to introduction of prohibition law in the state. The movement also resulted in underground insurgency also. The imposition of AFPSA led to brutal dealing with insurgency causing death of many youngsters. The Nisha Bandis initially carried lanterns but later they switched to flaming torches and were called Meira Paibi (Torch Bearers).
Meira Paibis (Woman Torchbearers)
The above discussion makes it clear that Meira Paibi had actually started as Nisha Bandis. They focus was now changed from anti-alcoholism to other social problems and were called as guardians of the civil society. They carried flamed torches and sought redressal of human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent.
Women’s Movements in Nagaland
In Nagaland, the Naga Mother’s Association has been a very active organization and has rendered an invaluable service to the peace of cause in that state. They created a Peace Team in 1994 to confront the deteriorating political situation on the theme of “Shed No More Blood”. It has also worked towards de-addiction; and anonymous HIV testing.
Women’s movement in Assam
In Assam, the Asom Pradeshik Mahila Samiti was established in 1926 under the leadership of Chandraprabha Saikiani. This organization was initially formed for welfare of women and children. The women of Assam also played an important role in the Freedom Struggle.
Women’s Movements in Meghalaya
Meghalaya has a matrilineal society (not matriarchal) where no purdah system is imposed, no restriction exists on women’s physical movements or dresses. There is no bride burning, female feticide etc. There are no social stigmas attached to widow remarriage. Thus, women are considerably in better situation in Meghalaya in comparison to other states. As far as women’s movements are concerned, some prominent include Mothers’ Union, Ka Synjuk Kynthei, Ka Seng Longkmie Laitumkhrah etc. Of these, the Mothers’ Union is oldest, started in 1941 at Tura in Garo Hills. It is one of the most powerful organizations in Garo Hills and was founded on general principles of Christianity. Its aims and objectives include – to work to bring up children in best moral charecter; to work together to provide decent dresses to their children, women education etc. Ka Synjuk Kynthei is a purely non-political and non-sectarian with social objec tives. Ka Seng Longkmie Laitumkhrah is a Tribal Women Welfare and Development Association of Meghalaya.
Women’s Movements in Mizoram
In Mizoram, the Hmeichhe Tangrual (HTP) Pawl was established in 1946, followed by the Mizo Women Organisation (MHIP) in 1964. These organizations initially raised the need to reform traditional and cultural practices of the Mizos but later they also raise voice against the discrimination and injustice in the society.
Women’s Movements in Tripura
The women in tribal areas of Tripura have better conditions in comparison to many other states. This state is known for gender equity and women pride. The women’s groups in the state have achieved enormous successes. However, the state is known for poor representation of women in state legislature.
