IMPHAL: Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and a principal negotiator in the Naga peace talks, was warmly welcomed in Manipur’s Ukhrul district headquarters on Wednesday. This marks his first visit to his hometown and village in five decades.
Hundreds of people, including children, gathered at Ukhrul’s Bakshi ground to greet Muivah. He leads the NSCN (IM), a prominent insurgent group that entered into a ceasefire with the Union government in 1997. Muivah, who began his armed struggle in 1964, expressed gratitude for the warm reception to the people and the governments of New Delhi and Kohima, as well as to civil society and church organizations.
Muivah is expected to spend about a week in his native Somdal village before heading to Dimapur on October 29. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “It feels incredible to be here with you today… I started my revolutionary journey sixty years ago, right here in Tangkhul country. I’m grateful to God for watching over me and bringing me back home to Somdal.” He highlighted significant milestones such as the 1997 ceasefire, the 2002 Amsterdam Joint Communiqué, and the 2015 Framework Agreement, emphasizing their importance in validating Nagalim’s history and sovereignty.
Muivah reiterated that the demands for a Naga national flag and its constitution remain non-negotiable in the ongoing dialogue with the Centre. “The Naga people have defended our sovereignty for seventy-nine years,” he asserted. “It’s our duty to protect our birthright. Turning away from it is a curse.” He affirmed their commitment to pursuing a final settlement based on the framework agreement, regardless of obstacles.
Various groups in Manipur, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Meitei Leepun (ML), and the National People’s Party (NPP), welcomed Muivah’s visit. Meitei Leepun stated that his visit serves as an inspiration not only to the Naga people but also to other communities, recognizing him as a visionary figure. Similarly, NPP Manipur unit vice president, Y Joukumar, commented that Muivah’s visit should be welcomed, especially as it occurs peacefully after many years.
This reception stands in stark contrast to the protests that occurred in Manipur in 2010 when Muivah last attempted to visit his hometown. That visit was opposed by the Manipur government due to the NSCN (IM)’s long-standing demand for integrating Naga-inhabited areas from neighboring states into a greater Nagaland.