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| Women cadres of ANVC-B |
Shillong, May 25: The ANVC (B), a breakaway faction of the A’chik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC), led by Rimpu N. Marak, now has women cadres in its fold who claim to be ready to fight for women’s cause.
“We are Garo women joining the ANVC (B) to be safe. Many women are raped outside, but the ANVC (B) is safe for women and we are trained to defend ourselves from men,” a statement signed by one Silan Ginchi Marak stated.
It further stated that the women cadres are ready to protect the women of the Garo hills region and free them from “fear”.
She, however, did not mention how many women have so far joined the outfit.
“Our brothers love and take care (of us) as sisters. Women are weak but we are not weak anymore. We are ready to protect women of Garo hills. People rape woman and we take action against men because a woman is the mother of Meghalaya. Without women, Meghalaya is not Meghalaya. Meghalaya must protect women from rape. We are strong and trained women. We are not allowed to kill people but we are helping Garo women to be free from fear. Our leaders are our fathers. They protect us from all danger,” Silan further stated.
On Singbirth N. Marak, alias Norok, who was one of ANVC (B) “commanders” but has now floated the United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA), she said: “Norok will come to kill us, but we are ready to fight against his people.” The woman cadre also stated that neither police nor the state government are helping the ANVC (B). “We are alone,” she added. On Thursday, Nado R. Marak, an ANVC (B) cadre, in a statement alleged that Norok is a “coward” who is aiming to kill the group’s women cadres.“Silan Ginchi is the pride of Garo matrilineal society who took a vow to protect the dignity and pride of Garo women. We will always stand by her,” Nado said.
The home department has sought a detailed report from the state police in the wake of allegations that the police have been assisting the ANVC (B) to counter the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
Norok had recently alleged that several weapons were handed over to the ANVC (B) leaders by a top police officer. These arms were seized from militant groups like the GNLA, Norok alleged.
