UKHRUL: A Naga delegation led by tribal hoho leaders left for Oxford, United Kingdom, on Friday to formalise the repatriation of 39 Naga ancestral human remains held at the Pitt Rivers Museum of the University of Oxford.
The visit follows the University of Oxford Council’s official decision to return the colonial-era ancestral remains to the Naga people, marking a major milestone in a repatriation process that has been underway for the past six years.
RELATED Naga Delegation Secures Oxford’s Agreement to Return 39 Ancestral Remains After Six-Year Push
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), which has been facilitating the process under the leadership of Naga tribal hohos, said the delegation would complete the necessary formalities with the Pitt Rivers Museum to ensure the return of the ancestral remains.
In a press statement, FNR said a public homecoming ceremony would be organised once all official procedures were completed to ensure the safe and dignified return of the remains. Details of the homecoming programme would be announced in due course.
Describing the development as a moment of profound historical, cultural and human significance, the forum said the repatriation went beyond the return of human remains, representing an effort to restore the dignity of ancestors who had been separated from their homeland, people, culture and ancestral lands for generations.
FNR said the homecoming would also provide an opportunity for historical reflection, healing and reconciliation, enabling the present generation to reconnect with their ancestors, acknowledge past injustices and reaffirm their responsibility to preserve Naga history, identity and cultural heritage.
RELATED The Return of Our Ancestors: A Call into the Future as One Naga People
“This is not simply bringing back human remains. We are welcoming our ancestors home,” the forum stated, describing the process as a homecoming across generations and an important step towards remembrance, healing and a new beginning.
The FNR then said the return of the remains would mark a significant moment for the Naga people, bringing home ancestors who were taken away during the colonial era and restoring their connection with their land and communities.
