WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025
Bringing our Ancestors Home from Pitt Rivers Museum
I extend my deepest appreciation to the FNR for their tireless efforts in fostering unity among the diverse Naga groups.
Published on Jun 1, 2025
By EMN
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- I extend my deepest appreciation to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), for their tireless efforts in fostering unity among the diverse Naga groups and for taking the lead in this significant initiative. The delegation of the Naga elders from every region of the Naga country to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, UK will mark a crucial step in the process of repatriation of Naga human remains. This endeavour should not be merely about reclaiming human remains, which were taken away without our knowledge and consent, but also about healing historical wounds and restoring dignity to our ancestors.
- Moreover, this process should also bring to the forefront the unfinished dialogue with the British, and apology for their colonial transgression against the Naga people. The British occupation of our country from 1866 to 1947 was characterised by exploitation and disregard for our sovereignty. Despite our significant contributions to their wars (1 & 2 World War) we were abandoned, and left Nagaland to be occupied against our will by India and Myanmar, whose cultures, polities, and ways of life entirely foreign to us.
- The Pitt Rivers Museum’s gesture to return the Naga human remains is appreciated. However, true reconciliation requires an admission by the British government for its role in the historical injustices done to the Nagas. I hope the delegation will strive for a meaningful engagement with the British to address this unresolved issues. At the same time we should not seek only the return of our ancestral remains but also recognition of our sovereignty based on our historical facts and an admission of the promises they failed to keep. Until they are prepared to undo their colonial legacy with honesty and integrity, their offer seems like a continuation of past injustices.
- May this journey pave the way to revisit our history with the British government, and find a meaningful dialogue for resolution of our longstanding issues.
- Vichütuolie Mere
- Ex-President, Chakhroma Public Organisation
Nagaland Districts
