NWU flays participation of Naga women in Raksha Bandhan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 02 2021: Naga Women's Union (NWU) on expressed "pained to learn of the unfortunate incident that took place somewhere in Tamenglong and Ukhrul district where some of our Naga sisters attended the function of Raksha Bandhan organised by Assam Rifles" .

In a release, NWU clarified that it is not against any religious tradition such as the celebration of Raksha bandhan.

"However, the Union strongly condemns the deceptive tactics and coercive military power symbolising as the protector of Naga Women by our own perpetrators- the Indian Armed Forces in particular the Assam Rifles, which is an insult and an offence" .

"Our sisters who took part in Raksha bandhan celebration may be reminded of the bitter truth that our wounds inflicted by Indian armed forces are not healed and tears not dry and we are yet to see justice.

The Indian armed forces under the garb of Armed Forces' Special Power Act (AFSPA) committed gross violation of human rights against Naga People.

We have undergone unimaginable sufferings and humiliations during this long period of militarization.

Memories of Naga women being raped, some in public, some in our sacred place of worship, some forced to give birth in the public, some molested, while others tortured or killed in our struggle remain fresh with us," it added.

The union continued, "How can our rapist be our protector is a pertinent question every right thinking Naga women should be asking.

Naga Women's Union cannot condone the atrocities committed by the Indian Armed Forces upon Naga People.

Inviting Naga women to tie rakhis is an unbearable insult to the memories of our loved ones who died fighting for our rights and who may never see the light of justice" .

"Naga Women's Union wishes to remind the Assam Rifles that enticing ignorant Naga women to tie rakhis by misinterpreting religious practice for your vested interests only re - affirms your unapologetic and perpetual act of violation against Naga women and womanhood in general.

Your decorative claim as "Friends of the Hills People" is incongruous as rapist," it added.

NWU then appealed to "all the Nagas not to be victims of such deception and to refrain from taking part in such activities in the near future.

As long as AFSPA remains in our land, the act of tying rakhis by a sister to a brother for protection is a blatant contradiction which is alien to our culture" .

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