Y Patton meets FNR and NSF in Kohima to discuss repatriation of 39 Naga ancestral remains and key state issues.
DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on Monday held separate meetings with representatives of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in Kohima, discussing the repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains and various issues concerning the state.
In a series of posts on X, Patton said he met the FNR delegation along with Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye, Principal Secretary Abhijit Sinha and Special Secretary (Home) Limasunep to discuss the repatriation of 39 Naga ancestral human remains currently housed at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
“We had a meaningful discussion on the proposed return of the 39 ancestral human remains and deliberated on the way forward to facilitate their repatriation with due respect, dignity and sensitivity” Patton said.
He appreciated the FNR’s efforts in pursuing the matter and said the government looked forward to continued engagement to ensure the dignified return of the ancestors to their homeland.
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In a separate meeting, Patton, accompanied by Minister G Kaito Aye and Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, met an NSF delegation led by its president, Mteisuding Heraang.
“We held a threadbare discussion on various issues and concerns raised by the federation. Their concerns were heard with sincerity and the Cabinet Sub-Committee assured the delegation of its commitment to addressing the matters raised” he stated.
The deputy CM also appreciated the federation’s continued commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Naga community and expressed the government’s willingness to engage constructively on issues concerning the welfare and progress of the state.