Itanagar, Apr 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has written to the Governor KT Parnaik seeking an urgent need for legislation prohibiting polygamy and bigamy in the state.
The Society expressed concern over the escalating crimes against women, primarily stemming from the abhorrent practice of polygamy within tribal societies. Since its establishment in 1979, the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society has been resolute in its mission to combat polygamy and secure better opportunities for tribal women and children in the state, it said.
“Despite our unwavering efforts, we are confronted with numerous challenges in advocating for women's rights. Presently, we are witnessing a disturbing surge in cases of domestic violence and homicide directly linked to the abhorrent practice of polygamy and bigamy, wherein men are socially sanctioned to marry multiple wives,” APWWS President Kani Nada Malling said in a statement.
The absence of adequate legislation has provided a breeding ground for the proliferation of polygamy. In recent times, our state has been rocked by two sensational cases that have not only shocked the entire community but have also raised serious questions regarding the safety and security of married women, she added.
The APWWS highlighted two recent incidents one at Lekhi Village, Naharlagun, wherein a woman, Techi Neme Tok tragically lost her life under distressing circumstances due to her husband’s extramarital affair. It further threw light on the Late Techi Meena case who was allegedly murdered by hired killers at the behest of her husband.
“Despite our persistent appeals to the state government to outlaw such practices through legislation, concrete action is yet to be taken. Consequently, women continue to bear the brunt of this societal imbalance, becoming increasingly vulnerable to its detrimental effects,” Malling said.
The APWWS further implored the Governor to urgently intervene and address this pressing issue by directing the state government to enact laws prohibiting polygamy and bigamy practices. It is imperative to safeguard the rights and dignity of women who are disproportionately affected by these archaic customs, it said.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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