The Working Committee (WC) Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has expressed its deep appreciation to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Recover, Restore and Decolonize (RRaD) initiative for their ongoing efforts to reclaim Naga ancestral remains and artifacts currently held at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, England.
In a statement issued by the Media Cell of WC NNPGs, Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi and the Co-Conveners acknowledged the efforts of FNR Convener Dr. Wati Aier, his colleagues, and RRaD Co-ordinator Dr. Ellen Konyak and her team. The WC NNPGs commended the initiative for initiating people to people dialogue and invoking diplomacy and international laws on unethical and illegal possession and display of Naga ancestral remains, historical items and artifacts at Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford England, taken away from Nagaland during the colonial era.
According to the statement, “In the exhibition galleria and cupboards of Europe and elsewhere, the soul and spirit of our ancestors cry out to be rescued, repatriated and reunited with the land and people.”
The WC NNPGs described the repatriation mission as an effort to “correct the wrongs of history,” and affirmed full alignment with FNR and RRaD.
“Every single Naga item at Pitt Rivers Museum denotes an unbroken heritage, an extension of our historical, political and cultural identity,” the statement read. The WC emphasized that bringing these items back is both a solemn moral responsibility and obligation.
It further drew a connection between this initiative and the Agreed Position signed on 17 November 2017 between the Government of India and the WC NNPGs. Citing the agreement, the statement said, “The government of India recognises the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity.”
Calling for the restoration of Naga history and identity, the WC NNPGs concluded, “Whether it was Great Britain a century earlier or the Government of India today, Naga History and identity must be restored, respected to ensure an enduring, harmonious peaceful co-existence. Indeed, it is time to decolonize.”
