A call to make Nagaland a gender just society

Kohima, Jan. 18: The Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors’ Network, in collaboration with the English department of Nagaland University, organised a meeting on January 18 at Hotel Japfu in Kohima, Nagaland.

Various women-led organisations, government officials, academicians,civil society and students attended the meeting, a press release fromthe organizers on Wednesday informed.

Settling the context of the event, Binalakshmi Nepram, the secretary general of Control Arms Foundation of India, said that “we are here to find solutions for racial discrimination and gender based violence,” the press release stated. “It’s not only Northeastern who are facing racial discrimination, it is also some other communities who are facing the same.” Also, she emphasised that “if we work with our supportive men, the situation of women will surely improve.”

Alemtemshi Jamir, former Nagaland chief secretary and the member of Bezbaruah committee said that gender justice and removal of racial discrimination are part of sustainable development goals and that efforts are being made to achieve these by 2030. He also mentioned about current situation of Nagaland and said that the crime rate in Nagaland is 6% but he felt that the actual figures could be higher.

“He also mentioned about 33% reservation issue and said that this is not a fight between men and women but of certain issues. The present situation could be resolved through more negotiations and resolutions,” the press release said. “We bring it up on a more gentle way to overcome crises of identity,” he said.

Mentioning crimes against women, Dr Temsula, the chairperson of the Nagaland State Women Commission, said that most of crimes go unreported because of family pressure and “land pressure.” This practice doubly victimises the women, she said. “So passing the laws would not be helpful unless we tackle the grassroots of the problems.”

Further, she said that “we are all guilty of discrimination because we have all discriminated people in our lives at some point. We will
have to introspect our lives and try to reach out to our neighbours and friends so that we can bring this discrimination to an end.”

Also, Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, head of the English department of Nagaland University and advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association mentioned the ‘Nagaland elections.’ Out of the 390 candidates, most of them are women. “These women are not rich. They are coming because they are backed by strong political parties. None of the political parties have backed women before this,” the press release quoted her as havingsaid during the even t.

“We will see the real elections this time. As far as elections are concerned we will see changes.” She said. She emphasised that Article
371A was being misinterpreted. “Lawyers who misinterpreted the law should be debarred from practice. Especially laws that are there to
protect its women,” the press release stated.

According to the press release, women in Nagaland constitute around 48%, almost half of the Naga population and history indicates women being extremely active politically. “In 60 years of Statehood, not a single naga woman has found a place in Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Today, the Issue of 33% Reservation in the Municipal Councils for women is a huge debate. On the other hand, National Crimes  Records Bureau (NCRB) 2015 data suggests that the rate of crimes against women is 6 percent,” it stated. “Due to the series of trauma of conflict that the Naga society has suffered, there is mistrust in other communities which leads to racism and discrimination against other communities.”

Based on the discussions, the update stated, a number of recommendations were made:

• Process of empowerment women not to be looked at in a confrontational manner but in spirit of economic, social and political
empowerment.

• Gender Justice and removal of racial discrimination are part of sustainable development goals to be fulfilled by 2030. An awareness and campaign to fulfill these goals.

• Efforts to ensure proper implementation of the existing laws at hand.

• For a better implementation of the existing laws, an understanding of the tribal society.

• Civil Society, lawyers, academicians hold the onus of proper interpretation of laws such as Article 371 A. Any misinterpretation of
laws is dangerous for the wellbeing of the society.

• Increased awareness of the state officials, police officials, of people living in farfetched areas to ensure that rights of all citizens are protected.

• Ensure that Central Governments directive of ensuring that Fast Track Courts are set up in all districts of the State.

• Documentation of unreported crimes against women. Networks of civil society organizations, students, lawyers. Such that admissibility and legality of the data is upheld.

• Community mobilizes and community justice workers in farfetched areas of Nagaland to document and record cases.

• Use the power of social media to set up a blog, virtual space to bring out unreported stories.

• All women to work on a shared vision, through re-establishing relationships, networking and interacting with other workers in the
regional, national or international level.

• To implement Bezbaruah Committee Report recommendations of formulating an All India Anti-Racial Law, to end racial discrimination against all people of this country and within Northeast India.