Women as peace builders

Dr Rajkumari Ashalata / Dr Laishangbam Sanjitkumar *

Meira Paibi rally against illegal drugs at Tiddim Road on the night of March 1 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

The post independence period of Indian society marks the (beginning of) ushering in of numerous problems and difficulties in the north eastern states due to the separatist rebel movements, ethnic divisions and (the introduction of the AFSPA). The region has long been confronting insurgency since the late 1940s.

Now it has become a prolonged violent struggle curbing social, political and economic growth/ development. Lawlessness and violence permeates the entire society. So, in order to make the society a peaceful and progressive one, woman must be given a space to assert her identity as woman peace builders and also to raise her subdued/muted voice.

Peacebuilding is a relatively new term which requires a deep understanding of conflict and violence. It is all activities aimed at improving the quality of life. It prevents, reduces, transforms, and helps people to recover from violence in all forms. It grows out of a set of universal values found in every culture and religion. All cultures and communities have ways of building peace.

Peacebuilding is the responsibility of different actors such as governments, religious organisations, civil societies, traditional leaders, the media,etc. It takes place at all levels of the society: person / family / leikai / club / communities. Communication, dialogue, mediation, and negotiation skills are central to peacebuilding processes.

With the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1325 by the UNSC in October 2000, women's role in, (and potentials for) peacebuilding have gained global, regional and national attention. Sustainable peace can only be achieved with the full participation of all sectors of the society, of which the contribution of women is central.

From time immemorial women have played different important and valuable peace building roles in our society. In peace building initiatives women consistently remain a minority of participants receiving less attention than men. To promote gender equality and advance women's position in the society and also to initiate transformative processes women must come forward, act and react.

In the context of Manipur: Women and women's organisation in Manipur, North East India have developed different non violent, democratic, and peaceful strategies to improve their society and advance the role of women's rights in the region. During the British rule the people of Manipur were suppressed and oppressed. As a result there were two important women's agitations:
1. The first Nupi Lan in 1904
2. The second Nupi Lan in 1939

The two Nupi Lans were some forms of non violent protests to negate the oppressive colonial rule thereby bringing about constitutional and administrative reform in Manipur (peace in Manipur). With annexation of Manipur to the Indian union in 1949, separatist rebel movements emerged, and this marked the beginning of long and violent struggle dominating everyday life in Manipur. And reawakening of Manipuri women peacebuilders came in the form of (Nisha Bandhis or) Meira paibis.

The Meira Paibis is a unique, highly organised and respected non violent organisation, consisting of majority of the womenfolk of Manipur. They are most active against gross human rights violations perpetrated by both state and non-state actors in Manipur. Sometimes they act as moral guardians intervening in various social and political issues: fighting against alcoholism, drug abuse, crime against women, atrocities of innocent youths, and AFSPA (with its user-the Security Forces).

The Meira Paibis came into the centre (stage) of international attention when a powerful protest took place by its members who stripped naked behind a banner in front of the historic Kangla (occupied by the Assam Rifles at that time).

A series of action followed: base of Armed Forces moved from the Kangla; review of AFSPA was done with the constitution of Jeevan Reddy Committee; and partial lifting of the Disturbed Area Act from Manipur (from the Imphal Municipal Area). We may recognise the Iron Lady as a great Manipuri Woman Peacebuilder.

Irom Chanu Sarmila has been on a hunger strike since the 2nd of November 2000. She is protesting against the widespread violence in Manipur, and her demand is the complete removal/repeal of the very controversial army act called AFSPA 1958. Now many in India have supported her cause. There is also Save Sarmila campaign across the country.

The present escalating violence has made the people of Manipur, particularly the womenfolk to explore more effective ways to protest/contain such activities in a non-violent manner in the form of Wakat Meepham or Sit-in Protest. Womenfolks denounce all forms of violent activities and propagate peace.

At the end of the day, women of Manipur need to do much more to bring peace in this trouble torn state by becoming integral in peacebuilding process. Therefore, we must encourage more women to become peacebuilders so that we may have more Sharmilas, more Binalakshmis.