In a significant advancement in the repatriation efforts for Naga ancestral remains, a Naga delegation concluded a week-long visit to the United Kingdom on June 15. Throughout their visit, the delegation engaged deeply with various UK institutions and proclaimed “The Naga Oxford Declaration on Repatriation.” This week marked a vital milestone in ongoing initiatives led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team, along with tribal leaders, aimed at reclaiming ancestral human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) at Oxford University.
The culmination of their visit took place on June 13, featuring discussions between the Naga delegation and representatives from multiple British museums, which house Naga artifacts and human remains. Key figures in these discussions included Dr. Alexandra Green from the British Museum, Dr. Mark Elliot from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, and other curators from institutions such as Manchester University and the Horniman Museum in London.
Following these discussions, an open public event was held at the Lecture Hall of the Museum of Natural History, facilitated by Professor Arkotong Longkumer. During this event, Kumsang Bendangtoshi and Tongor Luden, members of the Naga Presidential Council, dedicated the proceedings to their ancestors and spirits. Professor Dr. Laura van Broekhoven, Director of PRM, reflected on the productive week of discussions, while Dr. Visier Sanyü offered a traditional chant to invoke the reunion of ancestors with the creator, aimed at healing historical and present-day wounds.
The declaration, proclaimed by Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation, expressed gratitude to the ancestors and sought forgiveness for the delay in reclaiming their remains. It affirmed a collective commitment to return the remains to their Naga homelands for a ‘dignified rest.’ The declaration also framed the repatriation as a crucial journey towards the “healing and wholeness of the Naga people,” extending solidarity to other Indigenous Peoples around the globe undertaking similar endeavors.
Several leaders signed the declaration alongside Vihienuo and Bendangtoshi, including Talamong Khiamnuingan, executive chairman of the Khiamniungan Tribal Council, and representatives from various Naga organizations. All Nagas present at the public event voiced their support for the Declaration, which was then formally presented to Professor Dr. Broekhoven.
In a panel discussion during the public event, FNR member Dr. Aküm Longchari highlighted the increasing issues of violence and polarization worldwide. He called for a reimagining of concepts like Humanisation, Just Peace, and Healing to address current global turmoil. He emphasized that healing is essential for the Naga community in overcoming generational trauma.
Ngongba Tange Thamlong Phom of the Phom People’s Council also invoked the ancestors in his native language, stressing the critical need for healing and a formal apology from the British Government. He assured the delegation’s commitment to returning the remains home. Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak outlined the RRaD team’s outreach efforts to engage grassroots communities and stakeholders throughout the repatriation process.
During the event, Professor Laura van Broekhoven released a book titled “Healing of the Lands: Reflections & Dialogues on the Naga Repatriation Journey,” co-edited by Dr. Talilula Longchar and Dr. Pangernungba Kechu.
At the concluding reception at PRM, Dr. Vihuto Asumi outlined the historical assertions of the Naga as sovereign republics and connected the repatriation efforts to their continued quest for dignity, justice, and healing. Professor Dolly Kikon wrapped up the proceedings, describing the week-long visit as the foundation of a “new truth” and a step toward renewed promises of peace. She urged the audience to embrace new methods of learning centered on collaboration and the voices of Indigenous leaders.
Professor Kikon remarked that “Colonisation was a project of division,” and called for the Naga and global repatriation initiatives to restore dignity to ancestors and promote humanity, healing, and inclusivity.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/towards-healing-wholeness-of-naga-people
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-06-15 23:32:00
