SENAPATI, August 9: The Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM), also known as the Poumai Naga Women’s Union, observed its 39th Raising Day on Saturday under the theme “Empowering Women, Building the Future” at its office building in Poulea (Council) village, Senapati district headquarters.
The programme was attended by A. Adaha Kayisii, wife of late former minister N. Kayisii, as chief host; RT. Freeson Dovei, CAO, Shepoumaramth Region, NSCN/GPRN, as special guest; RB. Pani, president of the Poumai Naga Union (PNU), and J. Dalounii Angam, president of the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM), as special invitees. P. Delilah Pao, president of the Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA), was the main speaker.
Speaking on the occasion, A. Adaha Kayisii expressed gratitude to the organisers for inviting her to the programme, describing it as a significant moment for her family following the demise of her husband. She said attending the event had given strength to the family during a difficult period and wished the women’s organisation continued success.
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PNU president RB. Pani highlighted the significance of the theme, saying that empowering PNNM and PNTM would also strengthen the PNU as both organisations serve as important wings of the community’s apex body.
He appreciated the women’s organisation for its continued service to the people and encouraged its members not to be discouraged by criticism or opposition. He also expressed hope that the forthcoming election of PNNM executives would bring leaders willing to make sacrifices for the organisation and the welfare of its women.
RT. Freeson Dovei recalled the circumstances that led to the formation of the women’s organisation following the Oinam incident of 1987. He said the urgent need for a women’s body emerged after the July 9, 1987 incident at Oinam Hill village, leading to the formation of the organisation on August 9 that year.
Lauding the contribution of the women, Dovei said their services had been “precious and undeniable” in the cause of humanity. He urged them to uphold the dignity and responsibilities associated with their role and continue working for the welfare of the people. He also called for collective cooperation and support for whoever assumes leadership of the organisation.
In her address, SDWA president P. Delilah Pao traced the origins of the women’s organisation to the events surrounding Operation Bluebird, launched by security forces following the attack on an Assam Rifles post at Oinam on July 9, 1987.
She alleged that the operation resulted in widespread human rights violations, including killings, torture, sexual violence, forced labour, destruction of homes and public institutions, and severe restrictions on the movement of villagers.
Pao said the situation created an urgent need for an organisation that could advocate for the protection of human life, safeguard dignity, address grievances, defend rights and seek justice for victims.
According to her, an emergency meeting was held on August 9, 1987, at Poumai Colony, Imphal, where the Poumai Women Organisation (PNM) was formed, with V. Martha elected as president and late V. Esther as secretary.
She further recalled that PNM, in collaboration with the MBC Women Department, mobilised women from different communities and organised a rally in Imphal. The organisation also supported the filing of a case before the Gauhati High Court concerning alleged excesses committed during Operation Bluebird, with several Poumai women coming forward as witnesses.
Pao said the organisation has since stood for peace and restoration of justice, stressing that women had traditionally played the role of peacemakers in Naga society.
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Drawing inspiration from women of the past, she said PNM would continue to work as a channel for peace and justice. She also appealed for justice for the victims of Operation Bluebird, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Pao further called for greater empowerment and participation of women in leadership, saying that the lack of opportunities for women in Naga society had prevented many aspirations from being realised. She emphasised that women have an important role in defending not only their own rights but also those of their sons and husbands.
The programme later featured a debate on the theme “Empowering Women, Building the Future.” Executives of the PNU and PNTM participated as the movers, while PNNM executives represented the opponents. The movers emerged victorious in the debate.
