Naga delegation leaves for Oxford to formalise return of 39 ancestral remains

DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): A Naga delegation led by tribal hoho leaders left for Oxford, United Kingdom, on November 6 to formalise the return of 39 colonial-era Naga ancestral human remains held at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford.
In a statement, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), which has been facilitating the six-year-long repatriation process under the leadership of Naga tribal hohos, said the University of Oxford Council had officially decided to return the remains to the Naga people.
It may be recalled that the Naga National Council (NNC)-Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) had formally challenged the University of Oxford’s decision to repatriate the remains, seeking suspension of the physical transfer, full disclosure of records and an independent review.
In a representation submitted to Oxford Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey on November 4, the FGN raised procedural, historical, constitutional and institutional concerns over the university’s July 13, 2026 decision, particularly the authority and mandates of those involved in the repatriation process.
FNR said a public homecoming would be organised after completion of all official and formal procedures to ensure the timely, safe and dignified return of the ancestors.
It said further details would be shared in due course.
Describing the return as a moment of profound historical, cultural and human significance, FNR said the journey went beyond the repatriation of human remains and represented an effort to welcome the ancestors home with dignity, gratitude, respect and love.
It said the remains had been kept away from their homeland, people, culture and ancestral lands for generations, and their return marked an important step towards restoring their dignity and addressing a painful chapter in Naga history.
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.
Calling it a homecoming across generations, FNR said the return represented a moment of remembrance, healing and a new beginning.