DIMAPUR, SEP 28 (NPN): Naga National Council (NNC) has raised concerns over the ongoing repatriation process involving the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and its associates.
In a statement, NNC said it had earlier cautioned the FNR and its associates over the repatriation exercise, with the caution published in local newspapers on September 23, 2025.
It said NNC president had also officially informed the director of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford on September 14, 2026, highlighting the complexity and political implications that could arise in future.
NNC said it had made it clear that the issue required due diplomatic protocol between the two national governments.
On the question of British occupation of a part of Naga territory, NNC said British official records stated that there was no written treaty between the British and the Nagas. It therefore maintained that since there was no colonisation in the first place, the question of decolonisation did not arise.
On the repatriation issue, the NNC asserted that the Federal Government of Nagaland was the only competent authority to hold diplomatic discussions and arrive at a settlement with the UK government.
NNC said that despite its cautionary statement and official communication to the museum director, the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, and the FNR and its associates appeared to be proceeding with their own repatriation process, which it alleged violated diplomatic protocol.
NNC stated that any eventuality or question that might arise in future in connection with the Naga national position on the issue would have to be answered by the Pitt Rivers Museum authorities and members of the FNR.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026