UKHRUL: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has strongly condemned what it describes as heavy militarisation and the misuse of power by armed forces personnel against Naga women in multiple recent incidents.
In a statement, the Union said that continued intimidation and disproportionate use of force have deepened mistrust among local communities. “Such heavy-handed approaches are counterproductive and risk further escalation,” the NWU cautioned, warning that continued mishandling of the situation could result in grave human and social consequences.
The Union urged armed forces to act with restraint, accountability, and respect for the rights and cultural roles of Naga women. It emphasised that the presence of women at village gates is rooted in tradition and necessity, as they seek to safeguard their land and communities amid ongoing threats.
Raising serious concerns over the conduct of law enforcement personnel, the NWU cited reports from multiple villages alleging intimidation, physical manhandling, and the use of excessive force against unarmed women. These women, the Union stated, are peacefully carrying out their customary responsibilities to protect their villages in the face of recurring attacks.
“The presence of women at village gates is not an act of provocation, but a response to persistent insecurity,” the statement noted. It further alleged that actions by personnel of the Assam Rifles—including the ferrying of individuals and supplies in violation of established norms—have heightened fears among villagers. As a result, women have taken up positions at village entry points to monitor such activities, asserting that they should be viewed as protectors, not adversaries.
The NWU also highlighted what it called credible accounts of Assam Rifles personnel deployed in Naga hill areas engaging in acts of physical pushing, verbal intimidation, and forceful dispersal of unarmed women. “Such actions violate basic human dignity and contradict the legal protections guaranteed to every citizen,” the statement said, adding that the use of disproportionate force against women constitutes a serious breach of both national and international human rights standards.
Referring to a recent incident at Talui village on April 25, 2026, the Union alleged that an Assam Rifles convoy forced its way through bamboo barricades set up by villagers and rammed through the gate where women were guarding the village, leaving two civilians seriously injured. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the NWU and local communities, who view it as a dangerous and insensitive act amid an already tense situation.
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The Union called on both the state and central governments to immediately address and halt the excessive use of force against Naga women and villagers, while also ensuring that the customary role of Naga women as defenders of their land and communities is respected and upheld. It further stressed the need for impartial governance, urging authorities to avoid any bias or selective treatment toward particular communities.
At the same time, the NWU demanded legal action against those responsible for the Talui incident, in proportion to the severity of their actions, including causing injury, violating customary norms, and endangering civilian lives. The Union also called for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles personnel from Naga areas at the earliest, citing concerns over alleged bias in the discharge of their duties.
Concluding its statement, the NWU stressed that any path forward must be built on equality, accountability, and genuine respect for indigenous women. “Naga women have every right to speak and to protect their land and people. Their voices must not be silenced through force or coercion,” it said, urging security personnel to act with sincerity in safeguarding the public.