SENAPATI, Dec 18: A monument was unveiled at Khongdei Khuman village in Senapati district, Manipur, on December 17, to commemorate the martyrs of the infamous Operation Bluebird (Oinam incident) of July 9, 1987. The ceremony, held about 70 km from Senapati town, was organised by the three Khongdei villages – Khongdei Khuman, Khongdei Shimphung, and Khongdei Ngawar – under the aegis of the Khongdei Union. The event aimed to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Naga cause by erecting a monument in their honour.
The occasion was graced by Lieutenant General (Retd.) VS Atem VC AEM, deputy Ato Kilonser of the GPRN, as the chief guest, with Lieutenant General (Retd.) Ng. Markson VC, former Longvibu N/A executive member of the NSCN, as the presiding officer. Other dignitaries included Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkathing Varah VC, executive member of the steering committee of NSCN, and Maj. Gen. (Retd.) KV Sounii MC, member of the collective leadership of the GPRN.
In his address, VS Atem acknowledged the lack of formal investigation into the incident and assured that Naga public members who stood firm and sacrificed their lives for the Naga nation would be honoured as national martyrs. He added that their names would be included in the national record, and the matter would be raised in the NSCN council discussion.
Ato Kilonser also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Khongdei villagers for the Naga cause, while expressing regret for arriving late due to the heavy engagement in Naga affairs. He asked for forgiveness from the villagers and appealed to them to forgive past wrongdoings. He referred to the Oinam incident as “war” and condemned the Indian government for not allowing the UNO fact-finding team to visit the region or delivering justice for the 37-year-old incident.
Ato Kilonser further criticised the Indian army for its brutality during Operation Bluebird and lamented that despite the longest ceasefire talks in the world, no meaningful resolution had been reached. He reaffirmed NSCN’s position on the Naga flag and constitution, calling out the imposition of AFSPA and the fencing of Naga-inhabited areas.
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Ng. Markson VC, in his address, saluted the villagers who had sacrificed their lives during the Oinam incident. He recounted the events of July 9, 1987, when villagers endured immense suffering, which drew international attention, even being broadcasted on BBC. He urged the gathering to never backslide from the Naga cause.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkathing Varah VC, in his address, reflected on the enduring strength of the Naga people, reminding the Naga army that their strength was derived from the people’s unwavering support. He called for a renewed determination to continue the struggle for the Naga cause.
Th. Treason Angam shared harrowing details of the atrocities faced by his village, including the inhumane treatment of victims, the destruction of homes, and the looting by security forces. He recalled the torture and humiliation inflicted on the villagers during the operation.
One of the most poignant moments of the event was a skit performed by the Khongdei Khuman Youth and Student Organisation, depicting the terror unleashed during Operation Bluebird. The performance moved the audience, including dignitaries, to tears, as they witnessed the traumatic experiences of the villagers during that dark chapter in history.
The monument was unveiled by Lieut. Gen. VS Atem VC AEM (Retd.), deputy Ato Kilonser GPRN, with an invocation prayer led by S. Graceson Marao, Mission Secretary of KBCU. The event also marked the 37th anniversary of the Namcham Camp establishment of the Southern Command of NSCN at Khongdei on June 6, 1987.
The programme included various cultural performances, including a special song on the 1987 Veiyu Kou presented by Ch. Kuktufiin and Joyson Mazamo. Special prayers for the victims of Operation Bluebird were led by Captain (Retd.) Rev. A. Puni, collective leader of GPRN, while gifts were presented to the families of the martyrs.
Representatives from various Naga organisations, including NSCN, UNC, PNU, SDSA, ANSAM, PNM, CNU, as well as delegates from neighbouring villages, attended the event.
