- DIMAPUR — The Naga delegation visiting the
Pitt Rivers Museum at Oxford University as part of a repatriation effort for
Naga ancestral remains has come out with a declaration after a week-long visit.
- The declaration titled ‘Naga Oxford Declaration on
Repatriation’ dated June 13, expressed gratitude to Naga ancestors for being a
testament and silently proclaiming the stories of the Naga people.
A Naga leader reads out the declaration during a public
session at the Museum of Natural History Lecture Theatre, Oxford University, on
June 13.
- “We are sorry that it has taken us several decades, but we
are here now to reclaim and return you to the homelands from where you were
taken. We are committed to the process of your return from museums,” it stated.
- It affirmed that the repatriation process is towards the
healing and wholeness of the Naga people.
Also read: Naga tribal hohos meet UK parliamentarian to repatriate ancestral human remains
- “As Nagas, we do so in a united voice, with mutual respect
and consensus and to offer you a dignified rest, establishing a Naga monument
of healing and peace for all generations, symbolising the oneness of the Nagas.
- “We extend our solidarity to fellow indigenous peoples
across the world who seek to undertake a similar journey of repatriation in the
hope of bringing decolonisation, justice, and peace, not just for ourselves,
but for humanity,” the declaration stated.
- Signatories of the declaration are Theja Vihienuo, president
of Angami Public Organisation; Talamong Khiamniungan, executive chairman of
Khiamniungan Tribal Council; Ngongba Tange Thamlong Phom, vice president of
Phom Peoples’ Council; Jollyson Ronra Shimray, vice president of Tangkhul Naga
Long; Kumsang Bendangtoshi, presidential council member, Tongror Luden Ao
Senden; A Peihwang Wangsa, representative of Konyak Union; Dr, Vihuto Asumi,
president of Sümi Hoho, and Dr. P Ngullie, on behalf of the Forum for Naga
Reconciliation.
