Mon, June 29 (MExN): The Konyak Union (KU) today announced its endorsement of ‘The Naga Oxford Declaration on Repatriation’ jointly declared by the Naga tribal leaders on June 13, 2025 at Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM), University of Oxford, the United Kingdom.
In a statement, it further also expressed appreciation the initiative of the Forum of Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and sincerity of the Recover Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) to “reclaim the human remains of our ancestors that had been taken away without our consent” and kept at PRM.
“The Union genuinely feels the need to give assent for the process of repatriation that the union also believes that it finds solace to our ancestors,” conveyed the statement issued by KU President K Yamao Konyak, and General Secretary Wango Konyak.
It further prayed that the process of repatriation would be guided by the wisdom of Almighty God, and that the leadership of the FNR and RRaD would continue to be strengthened and led with clarity until their mission is accomplished.
The statement concluded with Phuhshoi!, conveying the highest form of blessing in the community.
It must be noted here that The Naga Oxford Declaration on Repatriation’ was made at a public event during the week-long visit of a Naga delegations to the United Kingdom beginning June 8.
The Declaration, among others, expressed gratitude to the ancestors but sought forgiveness for the delay in reclaiming their remains, and affirmed a collective commitment to return them to their Naga homelands and ensure a ‘dignified rest.’
It also acknowledged the repatriation process as a journey towards the “healing and wholeness of the Naga people” and extended solidarity to fellow Indigenous Peoples across the world pursuing similar paths.
Thereafter, all Nagas present at the public event on June 13, including the delegation, gave their assent to the Declaration, and it was presented to Prof Dr Broekhoven, the PRM Director.
‘The Naga Oxford Declaration on Repatriation’
1. We are grateful to our ancestors for being a testament and silently proclaiming the stories of our people.
2. 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.
3. We acknowledge that this Repatriation process is towards the healing and wholeness of the Naga people.
4. 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.
5. 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 was signed by Thejao Vihienuo, President President, Angami Public Organisation, Kumsang Bendangtoshi, Presidential Council Member, Tongor Luden Ao Senden, Talamong Khiamnuingan, Executive Chairman, Khianmuingam Tribal Council, A. Peihwang Wangsa, Representative of the Konyak Union, Ngongba Tange Thamlong Phom, Vice President, Phom Peoples Council, Dr Vihuto Asumi, President, Sumi Hoho, Jollyson Ronra Shimray, Vice President, Tangkhul Naga Long, and Dr P Ngullie on behalf of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
First published in The Morung Express June 29 2025
Link: https://morungexpress.com/phuhshoi-konyak-union-endorses-the-naga-oxford-declaration-on-repatriation
