DIMAPUR/UKHRUL: Fifty-two years after the death of a young Tangkhul woman shook her village and stirred a movement among Tangkhul women, her story has returned to the public conversation through cinema.
Titled ROSE, the feature film produced by M-Series and Jangko Production House was officially released and screened on November 13 at GHQ, Hebron. The film revisits the tragic story of Rose of Kumram village, whose death in March 1974 remains an enduring chapter in Tangkhul history.
Born on February 21, 1954, to N. Angti and N. Binu, Rose was 20 when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by Major Pundir and Captain Negi of the 95th Battalion, Border Security Force, on the night of March 4, 1974, according to the historical account presented by the filmmakers.
Three days later, on March 7, Rose died by suicide. Her death, following the alleged assault and amid demands for justice, became a defining moment for Tangkhul women.
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The incident triggered protests by Tangkhul women, who raised their voices against the alleged violation and demanded accountability. Their mobilisation went beyond seeking justice for Rose, becoming a collective assertion of women’s dignity and rights in a region marked by prolonged militarisation.
The movement that emerged from the tragedy led to the formation of the East District Women Association, which subsequently became known as the Tangkhul Shanao Long, the apex organisation of Tangkhul women.
Rose’s story is closely associated with the wider experience of Naga communities living under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), and decades of militarisation in the region. The law, which grants extraordinary powers to armed forces in areas declared disturbed, has long faced criticism over allegations of human rights violations and the lack of accountability for abuses.
For the Tangkhul community, the circumstances surrounding Rose’s death remain a painful reminder of the vulnerability of civilians, particularly women, during that period. While more than five decades have passed, the demand for accountability over the alleged assault has remained part of the community’s historical memory.
The release of ROSE seeks to bring this painful chapter before a wider audience, particularly younger generations who may know little about the circumstances that shaped the emergence of Tangkhul Shanao Long.
Beyond recounting the tragedy of one woman, the film revisits the collective response of women who refused to remain silent and transformed their grief into organised resistance.
The November 13 programme at GHQ, Hebron, included the official release, dedicatory prayer, movie screening and an interaction with the audience.
For the filmmakers, ROSE is more than a feature film. It is an attempt to preserve a community’s memory and bring renewed attention to a story that has remained largely within its historical and collective consciousness.
Fifty-two years on, Rose’s story continues to raise questions about justice, dignity and accountability. Her death was a personal tragedy, but the resistance that followed became part of the history of Tangkhul women.
Through ROSE, a story carried across generations finds another voice on screen, ensuring that the memory of a young woman from Kumram and the movement that emerged from her tragedy is not forgotten.
The release programme was attended by Dy. Ato Kilonsen, NSCN/GPRN, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) VS Atem, VC, AEM, as chief guest, Lt. Gen. Honreishang Shadang, MSM, MC, Longvibu, Naga Army, attended as chief host. Special guests included representatives of the NSCN collective leadership and steering executive, including Eno. Rh. Raising, Rev. A. Puni Mao, Eno. KP. Hurray and Eno. Mazamo Ngullie.
The programme featured a welcome and introduction by the production team, followed by the official release and address by the chief guest. A dedicatory prayer was offered by Lieut. Col. Kangamdai Dangmei, MSM, chaplain of GHQ Church, Naga Army, before the screening and a question-and-answer session with the audience. Esther Somungla Jamang hosted the programme.
