ABSTRACT
According to Jawaharlal Nehru, “Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only through peaceful people.”1 In the light of this observation, this chapter examines the role of women in conflict transformation and in building peace along the line of transitional justice systems. In the background of the debates around women and conflict as well as peace, we found that the women of North-East India are the agent for redefining the concept of peace. Armed conflict is by no means always negative in its impact on women. Indeed, for some women it can be a time for empowerment as they take over roles traditionally performed by man. The role of the successful women’s agencies Tamulpur Mahila Shanti Sena in Assam, Naga Mothers Association, Pukhreilas in Nagaland, and Meira Paibis of Manipur, in the context of conflict transformation, is highlighted. This chapter talks of maximizing participation of people in the peace-building process as they are the affected masses in the conflict. It also develops a concept of peace harbinger that may work in the near future in the conflict-prone areas of North-East India and bring respite to the distressed masses.
