Horrors of 'Operation Bluebird' Oinam recounted at anniversary event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, July 09 2021: The 34th commemoration of Onae Reh Dah (Great Battle of Oin-am) was observed at PK Shedu Resort in Karong sub-division of Senapati district.

The programme was organised by Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and hosted by Poumai Naga Union (PNU) and co-hosted by Poumai Naga Women's Union (PNNM), Poumai Students' Naga Students Union (PNTM), Oinam Hill Village Authority and the Oinam Hill Youth & Students Organisation (OHYSO) .

In his keynote address, Joyson Mazamo, convenor NPMHR (South), asserted that to stand up and say "NO" to intrusion into the land and oppression is the ultimate choice that the Naga forefathers made.

Despite knowing its possible perilous consequences, they understand very well it is the best and only option that people can choose is they were to secure their way of life; a life dignified one.

True to their belief, the oppressor has no qualm whatsoever and has left a trail of mayhem and destructions.

From choosing a church pulpit to rape the local women to bare their inhuman intent, beheading the local men folks to demonstrate their vengeful savagery and to repeatedly burn down their homes to obliterate the local residents when they knew local people will not relent and be otherwise.

They failed to understand the people miserably and year after year, the policy of unleashing their sadistic wrath and cruelty continue unabatedly with the only objective to disenfranchise the people's movement.

A grant inhuman project is perpetually kept in the form of continuous Imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 that robbed off any Naga People's Human Rights, he said.

The NPMHR convenor continued, "Our land has become a glory hunting ground with perpetrators of inhuman act protected and glorified for many decades now.

Restricted Area Permit bow (Protected Area Permit) that debars outsiders to venture to our land has been in place thus turning our land into a forbidden one, in other words, ostracised us from the rest of the globe.

Sustained military and other offensive campaign (both overt and covert ones) may have caused us momentary disillusionment but in spite of our scars and pain, we have steadfastly held our ground without harbouring any vengeful thoughts and for sure, our unwavering belief in humanity and dream of liberation will guide us through" .

Joyson Mazamo went on, "What happened in the aftermath of July 9, 1987 was the imposition of the "Operation Bluebird" in the continued pursuance of the ill motivated policy (that any Naga is a suspect/enemy and therefore, shall be treated that way) of the preceding years following the occupation of the land.

27 people murdered, many more tortured and were denied medical attention as a result of which many died shortly afterward, 2 women were forced to give birth in the open in front of jawans and other villagers, raped and forced labour of women folks, dismantling of place of worship and many other unimaginable forms of both covert and overt human rights violation continued for 4 months in more than 30 villages in and around Oinam Hill village.

NPMHR with the support of many likeminded organisations took the matter to court for remedy and justice only to be denied the same till date" .

While paying tribute to murdered victims of "Operation Bluebird", along with the living victims who are still traumatised by the operation, the NPMHR convenor urged the Government of India to come clean by dispensing justice to all the victims of the Operation Bluebird, repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, scrapping of the Protected Area Permit Regime, restoring peace that people want and not that is prescribed or imposed and dignity in Nagas' land.

Dr Rosemary Dziivichu, co-convenor Global Naga Forum (GNF) and advisor Naga Mothers Association (NMA), stated that women and mothers had gone through so much of inhuman sufferings along with their men and children.

On the 34th year of the incident, the women's leader urged all not to let the event a gathering of defeat but a gathering where people can look forward towards justice, saying that she is upset to learn that there is no more hearing of the case after 1992 and the last hearing in 2019, which was supposed to be the final hearing, was without written judgement.

A very serious question can be asked to the governments of Manipur and India, she said, adding that it is a challenge to the Nagas and urged all to come together and think in what ways they can bring justice by approaching the higher court.

The fake encounters that took place in Manipur in the past have given them courage and a united front to go and fight in the Supreme Court where army officers have been charge sheeted for the first time and victims identified as fake encounter victims.

This shows that there is a possibility for justice, she said, while asking all not to be discouraged.

The women leader then challenged the Naga leaders saying that it is time to stay together as a family and push for justice at the earliest for the inhuman atrocities.

The Global Naga Forum which consists of professionals from around the country and the world stands behind by taking the case of Oinam Hill further, Dr Rosemary further said.

Violations of Human Rights in the Naga areas including Oinam hill and surrounding villages, firing incidents in Kohima, burning and arson in Mokokchung or similar violations in Jalukie, killings of innocent civilians in cold blood in 2015 at Pangsha border by Assam Rifles in a fake encounter are some incidents where the Nagas have not seen justice till date.

Atokiho Sumi, Vice President, Naga Students Federation (NSF) in his speech stated that he believed NPMHR would continue to serve the people and be the guardian of human rights of the Nagas.

Solidarity messages from Kho John, President, United Naga Council (UNC), Asha Wungnam, President, Naga Women's Union (NWU), Wanglar Thiirtung, President, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Solomon Arow, President, Naga People's Organization (NPO) were also read out during the commemoration.

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