In solidarity with thousands of Nagas, Onaemene and Onaeme Delhi commemorated the 25th anniversary of ‘Onae Reh Dah’ (Operation Bluebird) on July 9 at Bosco Hall, Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla, New Delhi on the theme ‘Towards glorious future’.

The programme attended by renowned scholars, politicians, human rights activists, pressmen, mission workers, social leaders, lawyers, seniors and representatives of various Naga tribes in Delhi, besides was made a success not only by the Onaeme.

A moment of silence was observed with honour and respect to the victims.
In the keynote address, Sardine Varay emphasized issues on pain, sorrow in every nook and corner about the Operation Bluebird.

Ngaoni Railang James, programme convenor, welcoming the guests and dignitaries also recalled the July 9 incident describing it as “one of the worst tragedies” that ever happened in the history of Oinam Hill and surrounding villages.

“Over 25 years have elapsed since the evidence of gross human rights violations was recorded by Gauhati High Court, but justice was elusive as the court never gave the judgment, he narrated adding the judges who heard the case were transferred and promoted”, he said.

He further elaborated that “the incident certainly deserved to be recorded in golden letters in the annals of Naga history and violation of Human Rights under the constitution of democratic India, where we were been tortured socially, economically, mentally, physically and legally”.

Prof. Kamal A Mitra Chenoy (JNU), a renowned scholar speaking on ‘Operation Bluebird July 9, 1987 at Oinam Hill Village & Operation of the Nagas’ stated he witnessed the Oinam incident and was sent to do some investigation.

He narrated that in the course of investigation, the team faced lot of inconveniences as the Supreme Court continued to “reject their case”.

He stated there was a small glimpse of light for their case when Supreme Court finally accepted to bring a judgment for the victims; however he lamented that it got lost in the process as no attention was given by the Supreme Court.

In spite of all inconveniences they faced, with the help of PUDR they co-hosted a press conference in Delhi and the only paper to release the story was ‘The Hindu’, he went on to explain.

Mani Charanamei, former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Manipur, said AFSPA damaged the society and “government overrules the debate; tool to suppress the Naga issue”.

He stated the intention of Operation Bluebird was carried out to recover the weapons and to suppress the spirit of freedom desire and aspiration of the people. Martyrs haven’t died or suffered in vain: giving us an opportunity to come together, he said while briefing on review of the AFSPA Act 1958.

Loli Adanee Dominic, a social leader and former member of parliament sharing the sorrow and pain that people had gone through urged thrm to think seriously of what one can contribute to the course of the “horrendous incident” occurred since 25 years ago.

Member of Peoples Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), a civil and democratic rights organisation based in Delhi, Dr. Omprakash emphazing on excessive militarization, a threat to People’s right to life; the challenge of peace and justice with special reference to Human Rights & Operation Bluebird, shared that Oinam incident vividly depicted the impeccable nature of India state. TADA, POTA and AFSPA scuttled the natural process of justice to the people, he asserted.

He also stated that government never said that there was arm rebellion in North East states, Jammu & Kashmir because if then, other international laws would prevail.

Convenor Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Delhi, Tera shared solidarity message to “celebrate the spirit of the people who suffered” when the world chose to forget and saluted all people who suffered, and worked hard to fight for justice.

It was discussed that Oinam incident is the only case which has not been compensated even a paisa and the need to fight on for justice.