Even after 38 years, people in Oinam are still struggling to cope with the trauma. The legal fight ended in March 1992 without the final hearing. One of the judges was transferred after recording thousands of pages of arguments from the petitioners and Assam Rifles.The date of the next hearing was never set in these 38 years.
Yet, the people of Oinam in particular, and Nagas in general are still hoping that one day justice will be served to the perpetrators and violators of human rights.
On 9 July 1987, the post of the Assam Rifles near Oinam village, Manipur, was attacked by NSCN-IM, killing 9 soldiers and the attackers allegedly escaped with 150 guns and 125,000 rounds of ammunition.
In response to this act, and to retain the looted firearms “Operation Bluebird” was launched by the Indian Army. The search operation continued for more than three months until October 1987 in more than 30 villages but no arms and ammunition were recovered.
During the operation, the villagers were brutally tortured, human rights were violated on a large scale. Villages were turned into virtual prisons. Armed with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 (AFSPA), the army unleashes a reign of terror in the area. The villagers were also forced to prepare food for the soldiers for more than 2 months until the villagers used up their granary stocks.
The report claims:
27 civilians were killed
3 women raped
5 women sexually molested
2 women forced to give birth in public
340 persons severely tortured
96 persons illegally arrested and detained for weeks
125 houses burnt to ashes
172 houses dismantled
10 churches dismantled
6 schools dismantled
In September 1987, the then Chief Minister of Manipur, Rishang Keishing wrote to the then Union Home Minister, Buta Singh “excesses committed by Assam Rifles paralysed the civil administration”.
Speaking at the 37th commemoration of the infamous “OPERATION BLUEBIRD” 1987 at Tahamzan (Senapati) on Wednesday, the Secretary General of NPMHR, Neingulo Krome stated “after 5 years of hearing, running into more than ten thousand pages after hearing hundreds of testimonies, the judges of the supreme court who were hearing the petitions were transferred. The justice is still pending. It is a forgone conclusion that we can never expect justice from India. We will get justice only when we get our freedom. Freedom from occupational forces, freedom from bondage and freedom from all sorts of human rights violations.”
“The excessive brutality and human rights violations of the armed forces and to safeguard the dignity of the Naga people gave birth to the formation of NPMHR” recounted Krome.
Former General Secretary of NSF, Siipuni Ng Philo stated “on this day, while mourning their passing, we honour the sacrifices made by these bravehearts. We also celebrate their contribution towards our nation building and in furthering our collective Naga identity. As we reflect on the events we are reminded of the importance of accountability, justice, and human rights. We acknowledge the ongoing struggles of the families and communities affected by Operation Bluebird and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their quest for truth and justice and to put an end to impunity, once and for all. May the memories of the victims and martyrs of Operation Bluebird inspire us to work towards a more just and peaceful society. May their sacrifice not be in vain, and may their legacy fuel our pursuit of human rights, dignity, and accountability for all.”
Former President of UNC, L. Adani stated that “the Operation Bluebird was launched not to nab the NSCN-IM, but to avenge their anger on the innocent civilians.”
Solidarity messages were delivered by Naga Student’s Federation, United Naga Council, Naga Women Union, All Naga Student’s Association Manipur and Naga People’s Organisation. Special performance by Guru Rewben Mashangva “Song Of The Hornbill” and Baby Kuvahne Paokhomai “Oinam” captivated the gathering.
Organised by Naga People’s Movement For Human Rights (NPMHR) and hosted by Poumai Naga Union (PNU), the commemoration was held at the Conference Hall of Maram Union Secretariat Complex at Tahamzan. The commemoration was attended by leaders from various tribes of Nagas in Manipur.
