DIMAPUR, NOV 10 (NPN): The Oxford University Council on November 9, 2026, formally transferred custodianship of 39 Naga ancestral human remains to the Naga people through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and Naga Tribe Hoho (NTH).
According to a joint statement by FNR and NTH, the handover ceremony was hosted by the university’s Pitt Rivers Museum, which had held the remains for over a century. The repatriation process began in 2020, with FNR facilitating it.
The Transfer of Title Form was signed by Professor Laura Van Broekhoven for the museum and Rev. Dr Wati Aier for FNR. It was attested by Visier Sanyü, representing FNR, and Thejao Vihienuo, representing NTH. After the handover, the remains were moved out of the university to begin their journey home.
The ceremony opened with a traditional chant, Langhon Langpheng Ngao, performed by Nyamto Wangsha, conveying that the return of ancestral souls brings healing to villages. University Vice Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey described the occasion as historic in the relationship between Oxford and the Naga people. She highlighted the community-led process and its significance for reconciliation, healing and peace.
FNR representative Professor Visier Sanyü recounted the destruction of his village by British colonial forces and spoke of forgiveness as a means of building relationships. Referring to late Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu, he recalled the words, “hate not transformed is transferred,” in the context of peace and reconciliation.
Angami Public Organisation president Thejao Vihienuo, representing NTH, said repatriation was a Naga right and called for all ancestral remains held in museums to be returned home with dignity.
Rev. Dr Ellen Konyak, coordinator of the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team, described the repatriation as a new beginning for the Naga people to reclaim and shape their history.
The programme also featured Nyokei Shemei Leishah, a song performed by NT Thamlong Phom and Dr Moishen Metjei Phom, expressing the sentiment of bringing Naga ancestors home.
