New Delhi: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has sought the Centre’s intervention in stopping the auction of a 19th-century horned Naga human skull in the UK scheduled for Wednesday.
The auctioning of human remains deeply wounds the sentiments of the people, representing an act of dehumanization and perpetuating colonial violence against the Naga community, Rio said in a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
“The news of the proposed auction of Naga human remains in the UK has been received by all sections in a negative manner as it is a highly emotional and sacred issue for our people. It has been a traditional custom of our people to give the highest respect and honour for the remains of the demised,” he said in the letter.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri @Neiphiu_Rio writes to the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India, @DrSJaishankar with regard to the proposed auction of Naga human remains in the UK. pic.twitter.com/El9BD2yKsC
— CMO Nagaland (@CmoNagaland) October 8, 2024
In the letter, he emphasised that the human remains of any deceased person rightfully belong to their people and land. The chief minister urged Jaishankar to raise this issue with the Indian High Commission in the UK, requesting immediate action to halt the auction of Naga human remains.
What is the Naga skull auction issue?
Rio said he was informed about the proposed auction by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), an organisation of the Nagas. The FNR informed the CM that a “19th century horned Naga human skull” is part of an auction by a UK-based firm.
The Naga human remains are estimated to be valued at 3,500 to 4,000 UK pounds (around Rs 43 lakh). According to the FNR, the Naga ancestral skull is included in an auction titled “The Curious Collector Sale,” catalogued alongside antiquarian books, manuscripts, paintings, jewellery, ceramics, and furniture.
The FNR argued that auctioning the human remains violates Article 15 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which states: “Indigenous Peoples have a right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.”
