Minister Khashim bats for women empowerment
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 13 2024: Transport minister Khashim Vashum has called for renewed recognition of the contributions of pioneering leaders of the Tangkhul women's movement, while emphasizing the need for greater empowerment of women in society.

He made these remarks while speaking on the second day of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), the district's women's league, held on Wednesday in Ukhrul town.

In his address, Vashum congratulated TSL on attaining the 50 year mark in its services, stating, "This is a day for honouring women of the Tangkhul community.

I pay my respects to our mothers, sisters, and daughters who have made supreme sacrifices for the dignity of women and the Naga people" .

Highlighting the integral role of women in Tangkhul society, Khashim noted their contributions not only to societal growth but also in navigating conflicts within the community.

"Speaking for myself, I give the credit for my own success to the influence of my mother," he stated, illustrating the profound impact women have in shaping lives and communities.

Khashim also reflected on the exemplary contributions of former TSL presidents such as Grace Shatshang, Shila Konghay, Veronica Zingkhai, and Grace Chiphang, and urged present leaders to remember the significant services of their predecessors.

He shared a personal story about his involvement as a youth in a movement led by Grace Chiphang advocating for justice for the late Luingamla, who ended her life to safeguard her modesty against sexual assaults by Indian security forces, highlighting the impactful leadership of these women.

Khashim stressed the importance of honouring the history of past leaders, and cautioned that neglecting this legacy would be a big blunder.

Making a strong case for women's rights in society, citing their emergence as influential figures in governance and various professions globally, he expressed pride in the achievements of women in competitive fields, including civil services, but noted that the Tangkhul society still has much to do in fully recognizing women s rightful status.

Khashim also conveyed greetings from chief minister N Biren Singh and other cabinet ministers, including Govindas Konthoujam and L Susihdro, who were unable to attend the celebration due to concerns about prevailing law and order in the state.

Additionally, he announced monetary assistance from himself as well as from the chief minister and the two ministers to support TSL's ongoing celebrations.

Attending the celebration as special guests, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah and Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing congratulated TSL on its milestone.

Muivah recalled that TSL was founded in 1974 amid tragic circumstances, citing the deaths of two young Tangkhul women, Rose Ningshen from Kumram village and Luingamla from Ngainga village, who faced sexual abuses by the Indian Army.

He emphasised the importance of remembering these events in the context of the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

Muivah also highlighted the unique role of 'Pukreila', or women mediators, in conflict situations, noting this aspect of Tangkhul culture as a remarkable tradition that distinguishes it from other communities.

Earlier in the morning, minister Khashim accompanied by MLAs Ram Muivah and Leishiyo Keishing and other dignitaries inspected the jubilee stall in the presence of TSL president Thingreiphi Lungharwo.

As part of the celebration, various events such as folk dance, Wungva-Wungva Khon (traditional chanting of village chiefs), Laa Khanganui (maiden dance) and others were performed, apart from other entertainment items.

Held under the theme Reminiscing for the future, the TSL Golden Jubilee will continue till November 15.It may be mentioned here that in March 1974, an operation by the Border Security Forces (BSF) in the villages of Grihang and Ngaprum (now Kumram) resulted in widespread violence, including the rape of many women and the torture of men.

One tragic incident involved a young girl, NS Rose, who was raped by three BSF officers and subsequently took, her own life due to the shame and humiliation she faced.

In response to these atrocities, the Tangkhul women united to form the East District Women Association (EDWA) on March 4, 1974, which later became known as the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), meaning Tangkhul Women's League.

Initially established to address the grievances of women suffering from violence at the hands of security forces, TSL has evolved into the apex body for women's organisations of Tangkhul Naga tribe across Ukhrul, and other districts.

Today, TSL not only safeguards the rights and dignity of women but also promotes peace, economic development, human trafficking awareness, child rights, and environmental campaigns.

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