Atrocities of Op Bluebird recalled
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, July 09 2025: The Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) on Wednesday commemorated the 37th anniversary of Operation Bluebird, also known as 'Onae Reh Dan' at the conference hall of Maram Students' Union (MSU) secretariat complex, Old Monday Bazar, Senapati.

The event held in pursuit of justice was attended by representatives of NSF, UNC, ANSAM, NWU, NPO, PNU, PNTM, TNL and PNCM .

It is reported that the 1987 Oinam incident, codenamed Operation Bluebird, resulted in 27 civilian deaths, three cases of rape, five cases of sexual molestation, 340 individuals severely tortured, 96 people illegally arrested and detained, 25 homes burned and 172 homes, 10 Churches, and 6 schools destroyed or dismantled.

The programme began with a tribute to the victims and martyrs, led by Siipuni Ng Philo, former general secretary of NSF.

This was followed by a minute of silence to honour the departed souls and victims, and a prayer for justice for all those affected.

Neingulo Krome, NPMHR secretary general, reflected on the 1987 Oinam incident, highlighting the Organization's pursuit of justice against the brutalities and harassment inflicted during Operation Bluebird.

The NPMHR has consistently raised the issue at various levels, including internationally, he said and added that the Court hearing for the infamous Oinam incident continued until 1992, with testimony collection taking five years but no judgment was delivered.

Saying that the Oinam incident helped expose Indian Anny atrocities internationally, gamering strong support from the global community for the Naga political movement's quest for self-determination, he added that justice will remain elusive for the victims as long as dominant occupational forces continue to exert control.

The Government of India eventually acknowledged that military operations couldn't resolve the Naga issue, leading to the signing of the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) in 1997, he said.

L Adani, former president of UNC, also recounted the horrific nightmares endured by the people of Oinam in Senapati and surrounding villages during Operation Bluebird.

Adani noted that Operation Bluebird failed to suppress the Naga people but fuelled Nationalist sentiments among the youth and exposed Indian Army atrocities.

Meanwhile, representatives of NSF, UNC, NWU, ANSAM, NPO, and PNU expressed solidarity with the victims of Operation Bluebird, reaffirming their commitment to fighting for justice.

They emphasized that while the Oinam incident was brutal, it couldn't break the unity and spirit of Naga Nationalism.

The programme was hosted by Poumai Naga Union.

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