This is part 3 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.
The Women's Market in Imphal. Photo courtesy of ZeHawk
After leaving the group meeting Reena took me to Imphal’s famous Ima Keithel, which means “Mother’s Market” where only women sell their wares. This is the only all women’s market in the world and has historically been so since long before anyone can remember. There are some 3000 women selling textiles, vegetables, fruits, crafts. Reena told me that long after her grandmother no longer needed to work here to support her household, she continued to come here and sell her wares because she loved the place’s energy, camaraderie and old friendships.
Reena introduces me to Sinam Chandrajani. Sinam is spinning silk thread from boiled cocoons. Her daughter-in-law will use the threads later in the day to weave skirts and scarves for sale in the local market. Sinam is a masterful artisan working with the silk and she welcomed me warmly into her home. We sat on her outdoor patio on a blisteringly hot day in Malom village and I tried to hold back tears as she narrated the story of losing both her sons in one day.
On November 2, 2000, Sinam’s sons were aged just 17 and 25 years. They were shot dead along with 8 other people by Indian security forces. The security forces rained fire on completely innocent men and women as they waited for a bus to take them to work. This shooting is known throughout the Northeast states as the Malom Massacre. Today the local community has constructed a small memorial at a bus stop on the Imphal-Moirang Highway to remember this catastrophe.
Although charges have been filed, to date no one has been prosecuted for this crime. Excuses were made about how the security forces were retaliating against militants for a bombing earlier in the day however, none of the people killed were found to have any connections with militants.
Sinam and her eldest surviving son remember their sons and brothers. They talk to me about how the 25-year old was a teacher. He was on his way to school when he was killed. The 17-year old was the family’s dream. He was going to be a doctor. Since a tender age he had shown great promise in mathematics and science.
After the massacre, the family was offered 1 lakh rupees ($2,200 US) for each dead son. Sinam talks about the pain of losing two innocent sons in one day and I listen with outrage and sadness.
We left Sinam to join the 12 member Panthoibi Self Help Group (SHG) in neighboring Lairenjam village. They had prepared a Manipuri feast. We sat on mats made from local water reed and enjoyed a most scrumptious meal on banana leaves. The women of Panthoibi SHG had made mustard leaves, rice, daal, and other special dishes.
After this delicious meal I was invited on a tour of their looms. They started the SHG just three years ago but already, their silk garments are popular in the area. At most, each woman earns 1000 rupees through the weaving activities but they know there is potential to earn a lot more if they can link to the right markets. The Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network is working on this with them.
Bhavita is the oldest daughter of a household in Lairenjam. She is literate and having studied up to 12th grade, was more comfortable than other women to talk in Hindi with me directly, without translation from Mettei (Manipuri). She proudly demonstrated her creative designs and explained how the group wants to train other women to work with thread that is more expensive.
Many of the gun survivors like Sinam and Bhavita are skilled in making handloom items. I bought a Phanek, a wrap around skirt made of the most woven fabric, for $30. I also purchased an Enaphi, a special shawl that wraps around the shoulders and a most lovely, Leiroom, a hand woven scarf used on ceremonial occasions. Every time a woman handed over a handmade item, she said, “This will bless you, wear it and think of us.”
And I know I will. How does one even begin to forget these courageous women, who are literally weaving peace, growing possibilities and creating opportunities, one thread at a time?
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