Naga tribal leaders visit house ofLords to discuss ancestral remains

Naga tribal leaders and elders from tribal Hohos in Northeast India visited the House of Lords in London to discuss the return of their ancestors’ remains.
During the meeting, they spoke with Lord Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, who expressed solidarity with Indigenous communities working to reclaim their ancestral remains. The visit follows widespread outrage in October 2024 over an attempt by an Oxfordshire Auction House to sell human remains from the global South, including those belonging to Naga ancestors. Lord Boateng and Baroness Black of Strome played key roles in pushing for a parliamentary debate to ban the sale and display of human remains, ensuring the auction was halted.
The Naga delegation is in the UK to work with the Pitt Rivers Museum on the repatriation of ancestral remains stored in its collection. The team thanked Lord Boateng for his efforts in advocating for laws to stop the commercial sale of human remains.
Reflecting on his Ghanaian roots, Lord Boateng highlighted the shared colonial history between India and Ghana, stating that while many former colonies have gained independence, justice remains an ongoing struggle.
Discussing the repatriation process, Lord Boateng presented the official House of Lords parliamentary report, which seeks to criminalize the sale and public display of human remains. He stated, “No human remains should be treated as possessions, curiosity, or for profit. It is morally wrong and offensive.”
On behalf of the Naga delegation, Thejao Vihienuo, president of Angami Public Organisation, expressed gratitude for the meeting and reiterated their mission to correct historical injustices caused by colonialism.
Other tribal representatives called for the urgent return of their ancestors. Ngongba Tange Thamlong Phom, vice president of the Phom Peoples’ Organization, said, “Our ancestors’ spirits will not find peace until they are brought home.” Rev. Aching Peihwang Wangsa, Konyak Union representative, described the emotional experience of witnessing their ancestors’ remains in the UK. Dr. Ngullie, elder from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), emphasized the spiritual connection between Indigenous communities. “We are here to reconcile and bring healing, not only to the Naga lands but to humanity,” he said.
The Naga delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working with British institutions to facilitate the return of their ancestors’ remains while fostering mutual cooperation and understanding in the process.