Women in Arms: Naga women in crucial positions in the ‘Naga Army’

Hebron: We often hear or talk about Naga women playing a pivotal role in both family and societal affairs. However, the representation of women in uniform, especially in the Naga Army, the military wing of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), is seldom discussed, despite their service to the Naga movement for over seven decades.

In recognition of their unwavering service to the Naga political struggles, the Ladies Unit of the Naga Army was formally established on March 26, 1999, with Major Kaphungwon Ruivah as its first Commanding Officer. Over the years, many Naga women have served and continue to serve bravely in combat and support roles, proving their capability and resilience on the frontline.

This correspondent recently visited Hebron, Nagaland—precisely the General Headquarters of the Naga Army—and had an opportunity to interact with some of the Naga women in uniform to learn about their journey and challenges as they prioritise duty and service over comfort and personal time.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Muinao, MSM, the Commanding Officer of the Ladies Unit of the Naga Army, there is no gender bias in the Naga Army, and everyone in uniform is treated equally, with duties assigned based on skills and talents.

Besides performing military duty, the Ladies Unit has been imparting skill training like basketry, tailoring, and nursing to women cadres since 2017.

“Such training could generate a source of income for the women cadres to meet their basic needs,” said Lieutenant Colonel Muinao.

Her Journey to the Naga Army:

Muinao, who joined the Naga Army at the age of 26, has been voluntarily serving the Naga nation for the last 23 years with great determination and dedication, despite no monetary reward.

“In our land, our people are living under someone else, so I decided to join and contribute my service to our Naga movement,” said Lieutenant Colonel Muinao, while breaking stereotypes and fostering equality.

A resident of the Ukhrul district with a strong Indian Army background, Muinao’s initial decision to join the Naga Army was met with strong opposition from her family members.

“Since most of my family members are serving in the Indian Army, we didn’t know much about our Naga movement. After I joined the Naga Army, they tried to get me to reconsider my decision and return home, but I refused. Later, they accepted my decision and gave me their blessings,” shared Lieutenant Colonel Muinao.

As women in uniform often face significant lifestyle adjustments, including potential challenges to family life, there are cases where women gave up the service midway. However, this lady commanding officer is one among several such women in uniform who have withstood all the trials and temptations along the line of duty.

“As a woman, there are lots of challenges along the way, but I have committed to serve the Naga nation till the last drop of my blood,” she said, while highlighting the importance of being trained in both the political and military spheres by instilling the spirit of nationalism.

Muinao also lamented that many youngsters are more driven towards quick earnings by working in private companies in various metro cities and no longer have an interest in the Naga struggles.

“Our educated youth can also serve the nation without joining the Naga Army. However, serving from the field can have a huge impact on our national movement because it is a selfless act for the nation, and not everyone can sacrifice their service,” she added.

Similarly, Achan, the second in command at the Ladies Unit, feels fortunate to have an opportunity to serve the Naga nation since the uniformed life has not only made her stronger as a person but has also brought her closer to God.

“Before joining the Naga Army, I hardly attended Church services or sang, since I was studying in Imphal and thought that getting good grades was more important than other things. So, I feel that God has a plan for me here—to serve my people,” said Achan, a resident of Kamjong district.

Unlike other women cadres who often face pressure from family and peers to settle down, Achan, who is the sixth among 10 siblings, says that her family members and villagers are happy and satisfied with her commitment to serving the Naga nation.

Achan, who joined the Naga Army at the age of 21 right after completing Class 12, has been in service for the last 26 years with sheer dedication and commitment.

“Our Naga political talk has prolonged for the longest time, but I don’t feel discouraged because as long as our God is with us, one day we will surely reach our aspiration of self-determination,” maintained Achan.

Major Lily, another female cadre of the Naga Army from the Zeme tribe, shares that being a woman comes with lots of pressure from family members to return home and get married. However, she feels that her love for the Naga movement and the uniformed life is much greater than anything else in life.

“This has become my home now because after joining the service, I have spent most of my days here and have friends who are also like my family,” said Major Lily, who joined the voluntary service in 1997 along with her brother after being inspired by the Naga Army personnel who used to visit her area then.

In 1999, she, along with her colleagues led by the then Commanding Officer of the Ladies Unit, was arrested in Assam for a Naga cause and later released in 2000.

During their brief stay in prison, Major Lily said that they (her team) were put in charge of skill development like basketry for other inmates and provided counselling services to fellow inmates. They also took the initiative to lead devotion and worship every Wednesday.

Proud of our work

Tawai, a 23-year-old girl from the Liangmai tribe of the Tamenglong district and the lone Naga Army member from her village, expressed that performing duty while wearing a uniform is one of the proudest moments of her life.

The first from her family to serve in the Naga Army, Tawai’s selfless sacrifice and dedication show her love for her people and the nation.

“My parents are now fully supporting my decision and constantly encourage me not to become a deserter like my other friends but to serve the nation wholeheartedly,” said Tawai.

According to her, some of her friends who have deserted the uniform have been calling her to work in metro cities. However, she is happy serving her people. She further informed that people in her village are now giving more importance to and recognising the work of Naga national workers.

Talking about her dream, Tawai said that her parents often mentioned she should either become a police officer or pursue a career in the medical field when she grows up. However, “deep down in my heart, I always admired those in uniform,” she added.

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