Kohima: The Naga National Council (NNC) wants the repatriation of Naga artifacts from the Pitt Rivers Museum halted. They claim the current process bypasses proper diplomatic channels between sovereign governments. The NNC issued a statement on September 28, 2025, after previously warning the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on September 23.
NNC President sent a letter to the Director of the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford on September 14, 2026. The group warns the museum and the FNR against proceeding without official oversight. "The issue requires due process of protocol between the two national governments," the NNC stated. They insist the Federal Government of Nagaland is the sole entity with the authority to settle this matter with the UK government.
The group also disputed the classification of the return as a decolonization effort. Relying on British official records, the NNC argues no formal treaty existed between the British and the Nagas. They contend that if there was no colonization, there is no decolonization to address. The NNC claims the museum and the FNR are ignoring these concerns. They maintain that these parties will be held accountable for any future fallout resulting from this move.
Comments