Context:
Swan auction house has withdrawn a ‘Naga Human Skull’ from its lots for a live online sale following outcry in India over the issue.
The auction of the human remains contravenes Article 15 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which says: “Indigenous Peoples have a right to the dignity which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.”
Naga Tribes:
- Indigenous community in North-eastern India
- Major inhabited Areas – Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar.
- Believed to be Indo-Mongoloids who migrated to India around the 10th century BC.
- Ethnic community comprising several tribes such as the Aos, Angamis, Changs, Konyaks, and others.
- Various names – Noga, Naka, Hao, Chin, Naga
- Celebrate Hornbill Festival
- Predominantly follow Christianity
History of Nagas:
- Came under British rule in the 19th century.
- Naga National Council (NNC) was founded in 1946, signed a Nine-Point Agreement with the Assam Governor, granting control over their territory.
- Armed Struggle in the 1950s, the NNC took up arms for sovereignty
- Shillong Accord (1975) – NNC leadership agreed to disarm, but internal dissent led to splits into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang)
- Ceasefire Agreement in 1997 – NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire with the Indian government to halt attacks, with the government stopping counter-insurgency operations.
- Current Issue – Demands for Greater Nagalim, including parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, and Myanmar
Read more about: International Day of Indigenous Peoples
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) martial arts in North-East India
(b) musical tradition in North-West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
Answer: (b)
