Abstract

Women constitute near half of the total population in India but they were vindicated within the symbiosis of cultural chauvinism where man supra-power rigidly controls the social and family system. Even in the case of tribal society in Northeast India the status of women are indifferent to that of mainland India. In Arunachal Pradesh, the government has set up legal institution to adjudicate laws including justice system on the violation of women’s rights and dignity. An attempt has been is made to understand the implications of rights and claims of the women section in relation to property vis-à-vis domestic violence, with special reference to three tribes: Khampti, Singpho and Mishmi of Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh. The paper specifically focused on three major tribes in Namsai districts in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. A total sample of 450 women respondents 150 from three tribes namely Khampti, Singpho and Mishmi Based on the data collected from 150 women respondents of three tribes each, a total of 450 women respondents were interviewed using interview schedule from the study area. The method such as observation and interview were used to collect first hand information from the women respondents. from the study it was found that the Mishmi, and Khampti women respondents reported of not having any unwanted behaviour in of the co-workers at the workplace except Singpho women who reported (10%) of having unwanted behaviour like eve teasing, indecent comments, battering, physical and mental torture. The Mishmi women always experience physical act, mental torture and verbal abuse. The Mishmi respondents had a slight idea about dowry to be punishable under the law but among the tribes dowry is not practiced. It was found that all the women of three tribes have no right over any inherited property either movable or immovable according to the customary law. Among the Singpho society based on the data collected extramarital relationship, sexual exploitation, neglecting primary needs, etc. is rarely found in their society. The women respondents are aware of law related to sexual exploitation, human rights, dowry, violence, etc. The women respondents prefer the Indian law more than the customary law, as the customary law is not relevant in equal distribution of property and the property is always (100%) given to the son.

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