‘Witch hunting’ in Assam: Woman separated from her family for over 17 years

What can be more tragic, when a mother has to remain separated from her son and daughter for over 17 years? This is a heart wrenching story of a woman who has fallen prey to superstition in Naguwapara, a remote village along the Assam-Meghalaya interstate border.

It was in 2005 when she was attacked by locals in the area on mere suspicion of practising witchcraft and driven away from her home. Since then the ‘victim’ has not been allowed to enter Naguwapara.

In fact, Birubala Rabha (Padma Shri Awardee 2021) who has been actively campaigning against witch-hunting also had tried to sort out the ‘situation’ with the help of police, but to no avail.

However, in 2006 the Assam Mahila Samata Society offered help to her (the victim) and shifted her to a shelter home. Although, over a decade has passed by but the ‘victim’ is still not allowed to visit her home in Naguwapara.

Numerous attempts were made by the Assam Mahila Samata Society to shift the ‘victim’ back to her home, but people in Naguwapara did not allow to happen this.

The gravity of the situation was such that family members (husband, son, daughter) were penalized with Rs 10,000 when they spoke to her.

Traumatized with whatever has happened, the victim narrated her ordeal and said, “I have been living here (shelter home) for 2 years. I left my village in 2006, but I am not allowed to visit my home. I have a son and a daughter and my husband. Only 4 members in the family. The people in the village say that the ‘Witch’ has come and they alert everyone by ringing a bell.”

It may be mentioned that Birubala Rabha had played a pivotal role in passing of The Assam Witch Hunting(Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015.

KNOW THE DETAILS HERE:

https://homeandpolitical.assam.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/hp_assam_webcomindia_org_oid_3/menu/document/The%20Assam%20Witch%20Hunting%28Prohibition%20Prevention%20and%20Protection%29%20Act.%202015.pdf

But despite such strong legislations in place, such ‘social evils’ still exist. Will justice be delivered, that will be something to watch out for.