Operation Bluebird: NPMHR, PNU observe 36th Remembrance Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, July 09 2023:
The 36th Remembrance Day of the infamous Operation Bluebird (Oinam incident) of 1987 was observed at the Asufii Auditorium, Punanamei (Mao) on Sunday.
The event was jointly organised by the Poumai Naga Union (PNU) and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) .
Joyson Mazhamo, convenor, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (South) stated that following an attack on the Assam Rifles outpost at Oinam Hill village, Senapati district on July 9 in 1987, the Indian armed forces launched the infamous "Operation Bluebird" to recover the looted arms and ammunition.
The operation virtually turned Oinam Hill and more than 30 other villages in its vicinity into concentration camps and prisons.
Many women were physically and sexually abused, 27 persons killed and hundreds severely tortured with many dying subsequently as a result.
It remains as one of the most brutal and horrific cases of systematic violation of human rights committed by Indian security forces, Joyson said.
On October 5, 1987, despite immense pressure and threat to their personal safety, members of the NPMHR filed a Public Interest Litigation at the Guwahati High Court on behalf of the people of Oinam Hill and its surrounding villages.
The petition before the Court sought, amongst others, action against the Indian security forces for murder, manslaughter, infliction of grievous injuries, rape and sexual harassment, arson, looting and theft, wanton destruction of public and private properties including school buildings, illegal evictions, raids and seizures, illegal detention, arrests, forced labour and desecration of religious places, etc.
These incidents were documented and placed before the Court and due process for final hearing had also been initiated.
However, in 1992, two Judges appointed to deliver the verdict were hastily transferred and the case remains with no judgement even to this day, Joason added.
The PIL was revisited in November 2018 by the High Court of Manipur. The Court, on June 13,2019, directed the Home Secretary Govt of Manipur to set up an "Enquiry Committee" within three months time to look into the matter, said Joyson.
Giving the victim's story, Ngulani, ex-chairman, Oinain Hill village stated the Assam Rifles outpost at Oinam Hill village was attacked at noon on July 9 in 1987.Security forces filled the village within short time and started to "torture, harass, inflict grievous injuries and murder innocent villagers" .
Neingulo Krome, secretary general, NPMHR stated that "women were raped and even forced to give birth in public view" .
The Nagas experienced extreme human rights violations at the hands of the Assam Rifles who called themselves ~ "Friends of the Hill" .
A minute of silence was observed by all participants in honour of the victims.
Members of UNC, NWU, ANSAM, NPO, SDSA & fed-erating units, SDWA, Tribe Hohos, Oinam Hill village authority and others participated at the programme.
A candlelight vigil was also organised at Khabung Karong in the evening.
Briefing the media, Asahrii Clement, president, Poumai Naga Students Union (PNTM) stated that the candle light vigil and the mass prayer were organised by the Poumai youth and students under the banner of the Poumai Naga Students Union in collaboration with Senapati District Students' Association and its federating units.
The intention of organising the candle light vigil is to remind the Indian paramilitary forces of their wrongdoings to-the people of the region in 1987.The president also sought justice for the victims.
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