PNM observes 38th raising day
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 09 2025: The Poumai Naga Women Union (PNM) observed its 38th raising day under the theme, "Nurturing bonds, Shaping future" at its head office, Senapati district headquarters while reflecting on their journey and looking ahead to shaping a stronger future for the community.

Addressing the gathering, P Delilah Pao, president, PNM stated that the strength of Poumai women as a people was bom out of some of the darkest days in their history.

Saying that in 1987, their land, their homes, churches, and their dignity came under attack during the infamous Operation Bluebird, she recalled that schools and churches were dismantled.

Women, in the most vulnerable moments of their lives were forced to give birth in the open, under the face of armed jawans.

Villagers, young and old, even the sick and infirm, were dragged away as porters and forced labourers.

Many were arrested, tortured, raped, and even murdered at Oinam and in more than thirty surrounding villages.

"These were not just acts against individuals but an assault on the identity, humanity, and our collective spirit", she asserted.

In response to those unimaginable and traumatic experiences, the Poumai Naga Women Union (PNM) was formed - not out of hatred, but out of determination, the president quoted.

Reminding them that their work is not yet finished, she urged PNM members to continue to deepen the bonds within the community, bridge divides, and invest in the future of the people.

She told them to remember that the pain of 1987 is real, but so is the strength the Poumai women gained from it.

Maintaining that the sacrifices of the former leaders were the foundation upon which the present body stands, she said PNM will honour them not only with words, but with action -by carrying forward the values of unity, justice, and care for one another.

Different speakers including Kuba Peter, president, Naga People's Organization, RB Pani, president, Poumai Naga Union, Joseph Adani, president, Mao Council, L Diana, vice secretary, Senapati District Women's Association, Digabou Jacob, vice president, Senapati District Students Association, RS Kaipila, president, Maram Women's Union, Dalounii Angam, president, Poumai Naga Students Union and Boveio Poukai Duo, CAO, Shepoumaramth Region brought greetings on the occasion.

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