Ukhrul (Manipur) [India], October 22 (HBTV): Somdal village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district is preparing to welcome Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the Isak-Muivah (I-M) faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
The 91-year-old Muivah, one of the founding leaders of the NSCN, has played a pivotal role in the Naga autonomy movement. He is set to visit his native village of Somdal on Wednesday, nearly 50 years after he joined the Naga movement in the mid-1960s. The NSCN was formed on January 31, 1980.
The organisation later split into two factions — the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (NSCN-K), led by SS Khaplang, and the NSCN (I-M), led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The split occurred in April 1988 following internal disagreements over initiating dialogue with the Indian government.
A massive crowd has gathered at the Tangkhul Long Ground in Ukhrul district headquarters as people eagerly await the arrival of Thuingaleng Muivah, Ato Kilonser of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN).
Expressing excitement over Muivah’s homecoming, Lucy Duidang said she was part of the medical team monitoring his health.
‘I am here from the medical team, with ambulances and specialists to take care of his health. We look forward to his coming here. We wish God’s abundant blessings for him so he will be our great leader for a long time,’ Duidang said.
Nobert Tai, president of the Tangkhul Hau Art and Culture Association, said, ‘Words can’t express how we feel. We are filled with love for our Ato Kilonser. He is a legend. It is a historic moment, and we are all heading to his village after this.’
The homecoming ceremony marks Muivah’s return to his hometown after five decades. People from across the state, along with leaders from various organisations, have gathered to witness the historic occasion.
The atmosphere at the venue is filled with excitement and emotion as the crowd waits to welcome their leader. Many have expressed heartfelt joy, wishing Muivah good health and a long life to continue guiding and serving the Naga people.
This long-awaited visit holds deep emotional and political significance for the Tangkhul community and the Naga movement as a whole.
(ANI)