Operation Bluebird victims remembered

Dimapur, December 12 : The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), along with the Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM) and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) observed the 61st International Human Rights Day on December 10 at Oinam Hill Village, Tahamzam (Senapati). The programme, held on the theme ‘Remember Oinam: Embrace Diversity; End Discrimination’, was attended by villagers from the area who had survived ‘Operation Bluebird’.

Recalling the brutal assault on their rights committed by Indian military forces during 1987, victims of ‘Operation Bluebird’ pointed out that despite a lapse of 22 years, the state is yet to deliver justice.

According to a press release from the NPMHR convener Phamhring Sengul, during Operation Bluebird, Oinam and surrounding villages were completely cordoned off and no individual, including the Chief Minister of Manipur, was allowed to get inside to assess the situation. Many villagers were shot dead, while some died of shock and starvation. Villagers were also tortured, raped, and subjected to other cruel and degrading treatment by the Indian military forces. Some women were also forced to give birth in the open in front of everyone.

Participants at Thursday’s programme pointed out the subjection of Nagas and others in the North East to military rule, with the continued imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and other similar draconian laws. The NPMHR, NWUM and ANSAM reaffirmed their commitment to fight for justice of the victims, the press release added.