Scars of Operation Blue Bird at Oinam village : 25 years down the line, justice still awaited
Solemn gathering rededicate to collective march
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2012: The 25th 'Onae Reh Dah' (Operation Blue Bird) was commemorated at Aonaeme (Oinam Hill) village in Senapati district yesterday.

The commemoration programme was attended by Keviletuo Kiewho, President of Naga Hoho and Nandita Haksar, Human Rights Lawyer as the chief guest and presiding officer respectively.

At the occasion, various Naga leaders and public present made a declaration of re-commitment to bring justice in the infamous Operation Blue Bird, where the victims are still waiting for justice.

"As a struggling people, we declare before all that we will pursue our rights and justice to restore our honour, dignity and subdue all the obstacles that may come along our collective journey towards our common destiny," the Declaration of Re-Commitment read.

Remembering all those who extended their solidarity during the infamous Operation Blue Bird days including the then SDC, N Surendra Singh, who provided the documents and was later killed under mysterious circumstances, the gatherings also recommitted to the great call towards the common destiny upholding highest human ideals and principles overcoming narrow self interests.

Floral tributes paid during the observation and tears yet to dry

The gatherings also committed to continue the struggle under the auspices of Coordination Committee on Oinam Issue (COCOI) while inviting other Naga organisations to join the future struggle for justice.

It also appealed Nandita Haksar to continue extending support in the future struggles.

Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest, Keviletuo Kiewho, President of Naga Hoho conveyed his expectation that the ongoing peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India would take a new turn before the coming Nagaland Assembly polls.

Stating that Nagas are good talkers, he said the weakness of the Nagas lies in the fact that they could not translate their words into action while adding that there is no document about the July 9, 1987 incident of Oinam village with the Amnesty International.

He therefore said that justice is delayed in this case in the absence of any documentary evidence while stating that mere verbal allegations and pleas will not bring justice.

Kiewho added the Nagas usually give up when they are about to gain the fruits of prolonged wait for justice.

He said the sacrifice made by the victims of the Oinam incident should never be forgotten in the annals of Naga history.

It may be mentioned that NSCN troops had killed 9 AR personnel and inflicted injury to three personnel on July 9, 1987 at the AR Post near Oinam Village in Senapati district.

Post the attack, the AR personnel launched the operation and had allegedly burnt down over a hundred houses, six schools and 10 Churches in thirty Naga villages.

Properties worth around 50, 75,000 were allegedly destroyed from seven villages.

Three women were reportedly raped, five women allegedly molested and around 300 persons were tortured by the AR apart from killing 27 persons at different locations on different occasions in Senapati district.

Among others, the occasion was attended by general secretary of NPMHR (Secretariat), presidents and Chairmen of UNC, NSF, NMA, TPO, ANSAM, NWU, NPO, PNU, ZB, CNPO, TNL, Mao Council, MNU, TNU, ZU (Senapati zone), LNU and Sebastian Hongray as the guests of honour.

As a mark of respect and rememberance, the gatherings observed two minutes silence.

Meanwhile, in solidarity with thousands of Nagas, Onaemene and Onaeme Delhi commemorated the 25th Anniversary of 'Onae Reh Dah' (Operation Bluebird9th July 1987) on July 9, at Bosco Hall, Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla, New Delhi with the theme "Towards Glorious Future" .

The programme was made a success not only by the Onaeme but many of our well wishers joint us; amongst them were renowned scholars, politicians, human rights activists, pressmen, mission workers, social leaders, lawyers, seniors and the representatives of various Naga tribes in Delhi.

A moment of silence for the victims of the incident was observed with full due honour and respect.

Prof Kamal A Mitra Chenoy (JNU), a renowned scholar speaking on the topic: Operation Bluebird 9th July 1987 at Oinam Hill Village & Operation of the Nagas stated that he personally had an eye witness on the Oinam incident.

He shared his personal experience to the gatherings.

Mani Charanamei, former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Manipur, said that AFSPA damage the society.

The government overrules the debate; tool to suppress the Naga issue.

He further stated that the intention of Operation Bluebird was carried out to recover the weapons and to suppress the spirit of freedom desire and aspiration of the people.

Martyrs haven't died or suffered in vain: giving us an opportunity to come together.

He also briefed on about review of the AFSPA Act 1958 .