The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has publicly denounced statements made by Biri Shanti Nido, the Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) of Kamle district, regarding polygamy. The criticism stems from comments Nido made during an International Women’s Day event, where she reportedly suggested that first wives bear responsibility for their husbands taking additional spouses.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the APWWS expressed its disapproval, calling Nido’s remarks “regressive” and out of touch with the realities faced by women in the state. The organization argued that blaming women for polygamy perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines efforts to address gender inequality in Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities, where the practice remains prevalent among some groups.
“Nido’s statement shifts accountability away from systemic issues and individual choices, placing an unfair burden on women,” the APWWS said. The group further emphasized that polygamy, deeply rooted in certain tribal traditions, often leaves women vulnerable, particularly in terms of economic security and social standing.
The controversy erupted after Nido, a prominent local leader, reportedly made the comments while addressing a gathering in Kamle district earlier this month. Her remarks have sparked outrage among women’s rights advocates, who see them as a setback to ongoing campaigns for gender justice and the potential criminalization of polygamy in the state.
The APWWS has called for Nido to retract her statement and issue an apology, urging public figures to promote progressive values that empower women rather than reinforce outdated norms. The group also reiterated its long-standing demand for legal reforms to protect women’s rights, including measures to address polygamy’s impact on families.
As the debate unfolds, the incident has reignited discussions about the role of traditional practices in modern Arunachal Pradesh and the need for dialogue between community leaders and advocates for change. The state government has yet to respond officially to the controversy, but pressure is mounting for a broader conversation on gender equity in the region.
