The Naga Women’s Union strongly condemns the heavy militarization and the misuse of power by armed forces personnel against Naga women folks in multiple cases. The continued intimidation and disproportionate actions deepen mistrust to them. Such heavy-handed approaches are counterproductive and risk escalating tensions further. We caution that any continued mishandling of the situation may result in a grave human and social tolls. Therefore, we urge the armed forces to act with restraint, accountability and respect for the rights and cultural role of women belonging to Naga.
The press release of NWU stated that “for, the women presence at the gate are safeguarding their land and villages, deeply rooted in tradition and its necessity. The conduct of the law enforcement forces, raises grave concern as reports from various villages indicate instances of intimidation, physical manhandling, and the use of excessive force against women who are peacefully discharging their customary responsibilities to safeguard their villages from the current pattern of attacks by the adversaries.
“The women’s presence at village gates is not an act of provocation, but a necessity born out of the ongoing threats as the women found that the ASSAM RIFLES are more threat to their safety and lives. The suppliance of stuffs and ferrying of people in their vehicles are against the law. To check such elements, women are sitting at their village gates. They cannot be considered as opposers than protectors of their native villages.
“There have been credible accounts of personnel from the Assam Rifles, deploying in Naga hilly areas are engaging in acts such as physical pushing, verbal intimidation, and forceful dispersal of unarmed women village defenders. These actions violate basic human dignity, also stand in contradiction to the legal protections afforded to every citizen of one’s nation.
“The use of disproportionate force against women is indefensible and constitutes a serious breach of both national and international human rights standards.
“The latest incident, occurred at Talui village on 25th April, 2026, the Assam Rifles convoy forced its way through bamboo barricades set up by villagers at Talui. The convoy rammed through the gate, where women were guarding the village which caused two civilians injured seriously. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Naga Women’s Union along with the local communities, view it as a dangerous and insensitive act amid an already tense situation.
“Therefore, the NWU strongly urge the state and central governments to:
1. Immediately address and halt the excessive use of force against Naga women and villagers.
2. Respect and uphold the customary role of Naga women as defenders of their land and people.
3. Ensure that there is no bias, selective treatment, or support toward any particular community at the expense of another.
4. Legal punishment to the offenders of Talui village incident of 25th April according to the degree of their crimes. (Injury, disrespect of women and their customs, reckless driving, breach of village law, causing panic and life threat)
5. Withdrawal of ASSAM RIFLES in Naga territory at the earliest as they are found to be biased while discharging their duties.
“The way forward must be built on equality and genuine respect for indigenous women. So that they can live without fear, pressure, or intimidation. Naga women have every right to speak and to protect their land and people. Their voices must never be silenced by force or coerce. Today, the Naga Women’s Union ask the sincerity of the security personnel towards saving the public” added the statement issued by Naga Women’s Union (NWU).
