MOTHERS WITH A MISSION.
Emerging from this little state of Nagaland in the far north-eastern corner of India is an energetic group of mothers who despite all obstacles have stepped up and doubled up their roles not only as home-makers but also as society builders.
The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) formed in 1984 is an organization without borders, serving people across two countries and four states. Keeping in view the deteriorating conditions of the society and the constant brush ups between the Underground Rebels and the Indian Army the organisation have stepped up to mend the broken society and restore it to its former glory. The organisation acted as mediator between the Underground Rebels and the Indian Army while at the same time tackling crippling issues affecting the society.
In their constant effort to bring about changes and build a better society they have constantly been caught in cross-fires, threats, criticism but they overcame all odds to carry on their mission. They have been successful in making a huge impact in the society as well as bring the army and the underground to a negotiating table.
The Naga Mothers Association was recently part of "World Court of Women against War, for Peace" held at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore on November 16 2015 where they shared about the various human rights violations which they have fought against and also the various works they undertake to make their society better one step at a time. My friends and I were lucky enough to have a chat with Abei- ü Meru the President of NMA during the above said conference.
Q. Tell us a something about your Organisation?
Abei-ü: The Naga Mothers Association works to promote peace and also to check the various anti-social activities happening around us. We, as mothers are concerned about all the killings and unrest going on so we are do our best to reduce the tension and let peace prevail.
Q. So can you share something your Organization has done, some of the works you do?
Abei-ü: We do a lot of works like recently one of the Underground Factions NSCN (K) had abrogated the ceasefire deal with the Indian Govt. due to which lots of killing is going on, so we are trying our best to bring back both the groups to the negotiating table again and bring about an understanding so that there will be ceasefire between the two sides. We are doing our best so that peace is restored in our state.
Q. In war zone all causalities just become numbers, what can we do to make these lives more meaningful?
Abei-ü: For us every life matters, and even if it’s just one death or one injured we don’t let things just go and we protest and fight so they the culprits are punished and that justice is served
