On 20 September, 2025, The XXII Morung Lecture was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Conference Hall of Fazl Ali College in Mokokchung. The lecture, themed “Healing and Wholeness through Repatriation: A Naga Perspective,” featured Dr. Ellen Konyak Jamir, Coordinator of RRaD, and Kaini Lokho, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, as speakers. The event was organized in partnership with the Research and Development Cell of Fazl Ali College.
Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir, coordinator, RRaD addressed the Morung Lecture XXII held in the conference hall, FAC, Mokokchung on September 20. The lecture was held on the topic “Healing and wholeness through Repatriation: A Naga Perspective.” This series of the Morung Lecture was held in partnership with the Research and Development Cell, FAC. Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir in her address, stated that Repatriation is intertwined with colonialism, cultural identity and museum preserving ethics. Jamir urged all attendees to make repatriation claim as an entity as it is a process towards healing and reconciliation. Jamir also added that involvement of multiple Naga tribes can be a driving force. Jamir, said, the repatriation journey which began five years agois far more than physical returns of our ancestors, it is a key unlocking the deep necessary conversation about the very pillar of our existence, Jamir added. By reclaiming this lost part of our history, we are compelled to re-examine the lost elements that define us, our history, including the confrontation of painful chapters, our identity and our spirituality. We are not dealing with thousand artefacts. Through the lens of peace and reconciliation, we are dealing with 44 skeletal remains from Pits River Museum.Jamir emphasised that PRM have the largest Naga collections in the world with 6400 objects in the museum ( could be more). Among these are 219 human remains. Jamir added that these remains have been taken off the exhibition, display and storage for respective communities to come and claim them.
Kani Loko, Assistant Professor for Political Science,Asufii, Christian Institute, Mao, in her address emphasized that,while repatriation is sacred and cultural,it is also political and psychological. It became a chance of ventication ,Loko added. The journey of bringing our historical remains has also been a journey of contention, stated Loko. Loko also pointed that some Nagas’ voice oppose, while some support the journey. Loko called upon all the attendee to hold on to the idea of repatriation as the path to our healing and Wholeness as it is not simply of claiming or reclaiming what was ours but reclaiming our ‘Oneness’, most importantly.
Dr Akum Longchari emphasized the importance of accessing memories of the past as survivors, rather than victims, in the journey towards healing and wholeness. He urged the gathering of tribe leaders, scholars, and students to engage in truth-telling by confronting difficult questions about the past and present. Longchari likened decolonization, repatriation, and reconciliation to the three stones of a traditional Naga hearth, necessary for new growth. He challenged the college to mobilize imagination and synergize these efforts for positive change.
Dr Wati Imchen, Principal Fazl Ali College stated ,while talking about Naga history,there is no way, we can ignore the British occupation. Imchen, while emphasising on RRaD ( Recover, Restore and Decolonise) said, that the work to recover and restore should not be left alone to the RRaD team but every responsible citizen must contribute according to their capacity to bring the history and culture that belongs to the Nagas. Dr Imchen , also drew light that Fazl Ali College is on the firsts to have a college museum, the one being Wangkao college. Dr Imchen suggested on preserving old commodities and artefacts and not to sell them for a few amount. Dr Wati Imchen stated that topics like Restore, Repatriate and recover should take us back to make us appreciate the past..
The Morung Lecture on “Healing and wholeness through Repatriation: A Naga Perspective” was attended by Researchers, scholars, professors, Tribal societies and Civil societies like Watsü mungdang and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union and students from several colleges of Mokokchung Town.
(Published as received)
