30th anniv of 'Ops Bluebird' observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, July 09 2017: The 30th anniversary of Operation Bluebird was organised by the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM) and Youth Act at the PNTM's head office at Karong today .

It was attended by Benjamin Banee, ex-Minister, and Nehemiah Rong, Project Economist, DRDA as keynote speakers .

The event was chaired by Siipuni Ng, founder-chairman of Youth Act.

Theophilus Rangmathat, president, PNTM led the gatherings in offering rich tributes to the 'martyrs' and victims of the atrocities committed by the Assam Rifles .

Various organisations like Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA), Senapati District Student's Association (SDSA) and Poumai Naga Union (PNU) delivered their solidarity messages towards all those affected .

Joyson Mazamo accused the then Government of being complicit in the infamous operation carried out at Oinam and neighbouring villages and also said that all efforts by NPMHR to bring justice have been thwarted by the Government .

Ari Solomon opined that such a dark incident as Oinam incident had given the Naga women the strength to stand up for their rights and served as the impetus for awakening nationalistic consciousness .

Newman Polah, general secretary, SDSA said that the society should learn to celebrate their contributions rather than mourn their passing, while paying tribute to the martyrs .

Kumo Sha, general secretary, PNU, asserted that Operation Bluebird was no less than hell for those affected by it.

Veino Solomon recounted the hellish experience he had in the AR custody, where the dead body of a colleague was thrown into the cell .

Nehemiah Rong in his keynote speech also narrated the stories of the operation .

Benjamin Banee talked about the importance of the incident in the awakening of Naga nationalism.

"Naga nationalism would not have reached the present height had the Oinam incident not taken place," he said .

The moral and political victory had been won, but the judicial victory still alludes the victims, he said while encouraging the younger generations not to give up the fight.

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