The poetic canvas of North East India weaves tales not just of scenic landscapes and diverse cultures but also of fierce women warriors who have stood tall against adversities. These women have fought wars — not with weapons but with indomitable spirit, passion, and unwavering resilience. They’ve lit the torches of resistance, illuminating the path for others to follow, and their stories deserve to be told and celebrated.

Guardians of the Night: The Meira Paibis

In the labyrinthine lanes of Manipur, as darkness creeps in, a group of women armed with traditional torches becomes the guardian angels of the night. They are the Meira Paibis, or the ‘torchbearers’. Born during tumultuous times of civil unrest in the 1980s, these brave women are the unsung heroes who stand as a bulwark against extrajudicial atrocities. Their torches not only fend off the literal darkness but also the metaphorical darkness of violence, drugs, and alcohol. In their dual roles, they’ve taken on the mantle of peacemakers, liaising between the government and insurgent factions to broker truces.

Voices of Peace: The Naga Mothers Association

Further into Nagaland, another group of women rose in the ’80s, becoming the vanguards of human rights – The Naga Mothers Association (NMA). Born amidst the backdrop of relentless conflict, these women have worked tirelessly towards a future without guns and violence. Their voices, echoing the cries of countless mothers, have consistently advocated for the rights of women and children.

Warriors Against Injustice: Assam Women’s Movement & Irom Sharmila Chanu

In Assam, where political landscapes were redrawn amidst cries of xenophobia, the Assam Women’s Movement emerged, challenging violence and fighting for the rights of the marginalized. Their work underscores the atrocities women and children face during such conflicts.

Manipur’s very own ‘Iron Lady’, Irom Sharmila Chanu, became an emblem of resistance, undertaking one of the longest hunger strikes in history against AFSPA’s draconian measures. For 16 harrowing years, she became the embodiment of protest and an inspiration for countless women in the region, symbolizing that one’s will can be more potent than any force.

Champions of Today, Inspirations for Tomorrow

The North East’s legacy isn’t just in its battles, but in its beacons of hope. These women, often working away from the limelight, are the region’s true heroes. They’ve transformed personal pain into public advocacy, changing the narrative from victims of circumstance to champions of change.

Their stories aren’t just testaments to their personal courage but are landmarks in the North East’s journey toward peace and equality. Each torch they light, every voice they raise, and every step they take reverberates with the message that when women take charge, change is not just possible; it’s inevitable.

As we celebrate these warriors, let’s remember that their struggles are far from over. Recognizing their contributions means also understanding the continued need for solidarity, support, and celebration of their indomitable spirit. After all, in their strength and resilience lies the beacon for a brighter, more inclusive future.