The ongoing discourse surrounding the repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, UK, has sparked critical reflections among the Naga community. Over two days, scores of Nagas have come together at the Lighthouse Church in Dimapur to discuss vital topics such as repatriation, colonisation, decolonisation, trauma, healing, and reconciliation.
Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, the convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, addressed participants during the “September Dialogue on Naga Repatriation, Decolonisation and Healing” on Friday. He highlighted that repatriation offers the Naga people an opportunity to confront the historical impacts of colonialism. It provides a space to honour their ancestors, reconcile with the past, and seek truth and justice. Though Dr. Aier could not attend in person due to overseas commitments, his speech was read out, affirming that Nagas must ensure their deceased are remembered with dignity, in accordance with their customs and cultural imperatives.
The dialogue, organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation-Recover Restore and Decolonise (FNR-RRAD), was envisioned as a collaborative platform, bringing together participants from all walks of life, including college students, academics, theologians, community leaders, and professionals. Through this intergenerational dialogue, attendees sought to consolidate the repatriation initiative while addressing its psychological, political, and cultural significance.
A storytelling session by Dr. Visier Sanyü, an elder of the FNR, particularly resonated with younger participants. Dr. Sanyü recounted his experiences fleeing from the Indian Army in the 1950s after their village, Khonoma, was destroyed. His tale of survival during a time of starvation struck a chord with the audience. Himshen Chipen, a student from Patkai Christian College, remarked on how vividly Dr. Sanyü’s story illustrated the hardships faced by the Naga people.
Dr. Sanyü also honoured the victims of the 1960 Matikhrü massacre, in which nine men were brutally killed by the Indian Army in front of their families. These stories of violence, torture, and destruction that marked the Indian government’s militarisation of the Naga Hills remain absent from school textbooks, making Dr. Sanyü’s accounts eye-opening for many students. Grace Ezung, another student, expressed her shock at learning about the tragic events that had previously been unknown to her.
Dr. Phyobemo Ngully, another elder from the FNR, underscored the importance of addressing the generational trauma stemming from decades of conflict and militarisation. As a retired psychiatrist, Dr. Ngully pointed out that intergenerational trauma can manifest in feelings of loss, disempowerment, and a lack of identity, which has deeply affected Naga society. He called for the community to acknowledge these traumas and work towards healing and empowerment.
For Dr. Aier, the repatriation of ancestral remains represents a critical moment for rebuilding social structures and reinforcing community cohesion. He believes that returning these remains to their homeland will allow the Naga people to reconnect with their cultural heritage, paving the way for historical healing. He urged Naga elders and leaders to support the repatriation process by considering the cultural, psychological, and political dimensions involved. He emphasised that honouring the dead is key to releasing current generations from the lingering sense of unease and unrest that stems from unresolved ancestral spirits.
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However, speakers at the conference also acknowledged the challenges ahead. The repatriation process will likely require long-term commitment and may take decades to complete. Dr. Aküm Longchari stressed that active and informed participation from the Naga people is essential to shaping a cohesive response to repatriation. Some participants raised doubts about the need for repatriation, with one young person questioning its relevance. Others, like 20-year-old Songaror Horam, supported the initiative, emphasising the importance of reconnecting with their ancestral roots.
Dr. Longchari explained that repatriation should not be seen as an end in itself but as part of an ongoing process. He acknowledged that this journey would bring challenges and encounters, but it would also provide opportunities for holistic solutions. Ultimately, the Naga people must journey together, searching for a path that will allow them to find a way forward as a community.
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