This is part 2 in a series written by IDEX Executive Director, Rajasvini (Vini) Bhansali, on her recent trip to Northeastern states of India – where IDEX has recently expanded – to meet with potential catalyst grantees.

Geographically isolated from mainland India and socioeconomically neglected by development agencies and the government, the Northeastern states are experiencing tremendous crises rooted in militarization, land distribution, climate change, migration, displacement, political differences and violence.  These states are some of the poorest in India, but they also have many communities working on sustainable livelihood development, women’s empowerment and environmental resource management.

“Arms control and disarmament do not happen simply because we wish them to be so. Success is achieved through the day to day hard work of ordinary citizens around the world who make disarmament meaningful through their commitment to change; through their understanding of what brings us security – human security – is not more weapons of any sort, but by meeting our most basic needs for food, shelter, medical care, education and opportunities to work and provide for one’s family.” – Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Binalakshmi Nepram - courtesy of The WIP Net

Binalakshmi Nepram founded Manipuri Women Gun Survivors Network in 2004 after witnessing the aftermath of the killing of 27-year old Buddhi Moirangthem in Wabgai Lamkhai village southeast of Imphal on Christmas Eve. Buddhi was dragged from his car-battery workshop and shot dead by 3 gunmen. His young widow, Rebika Akham, was left with no options and faced animosity from her in laws. Binalakshmi helped Rebika with a Rs.4500 investment. Rebika used the money to buy a sewing machine and secure her livelihood through making clothes.

Binalakshmi began to discover case after case of women survivors of gun violence. They were usually young widows or elderly mothers, who’s husbands and sons had been victims of armed state and non-state violence. She officially launched the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network (MWGSN) in 2007 to help heal the scars and trauma of this violence.

Now, MWGSN supports women who have survived gun violence throughout Manipur state. They also work to support women in securing their livelihoods locally. They help them launch small business ventures by offering training in financial literacy, and assisting them in getting bank accounts and no-interest loans of around $75-$250. With this support, the women have initiated businesses in silk reeling, weaving, the production of mats from water reed, and agricultural activities like mushroom farming, fisheries and piggeries.

Yesterday, I joined a MWGSN meeting where I was introduced to some new members at their first meeting. Reena Mutum, MWGSN’s coordinator helped them open their very first bank accounts. Although there is not a lot of money to be deposited, the act of opening the account and beginning to imagine financial self sufficiency is enough to bring at least 20 plus women out to each meeting.

After introductions, Reena invited the women to share whatever they would like with me and we are both amazed at the outpouring of stories. They felt comfortable, they said, in each others company and could see that I am here to listen. I felt privileged to be invited to bear witness to their courage and truth telling. Each of the 24 women told me her story. I was awed at their resilience amidst such intense grief and loss. And each of them, in spite of the most traumatic stories of surviving violence, has a plan. The plan involves generating income, supporting their families, ensuring a secure future and maintaining their relationships with each other.

Memcha is one of the newest members. She is a 30-year old widow with 4 children: 3 sons and a daughter. Her husband, Fazruddin was shot earlier this year, January 2010. He was a local merchant and had a small shop where he sold clothes. Together, the 2 of them also cultivated a small garden to sell vegetables.

After years of hard work, they had saved up enough money to buy a small piece of land to build their first home. They had a tremendous housewarming last July. Just six months later, there was a knock on the door. Soldiers from the Assam Rifles were at the door and demanded Fazruddin come outside for interrogation. It was a cold January, so he pulled on woolen garments and grabbed an extra blanket. Memcha found his body at the front door to their home. He was now dressed in military fatigues and he had been shot ten times. He had been brutally killed; his arms were cut and his teeth taken out.

At this point, Memcha’s otherwise stern voice faltered and tears poured out. She was left with 4 young children to support and the trauma of a brutally murdered husband. No answers have been offered to her. Memcha cried that they made an honest living and hoped every day for peace in the region. She knows her husband was not a militant and his brutal death has left her disillusioned. Every day is a struggle to survive but she is determined to use the support available to her through the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network to educate her kids and hopes for a better life ahead.

Click here to see The Story Of The Manipuri Women Gun Survivors Network on our channel on YouTube.

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