Naga leader Th Muivah returns home after 50 years, gets hero's welcome

In a historic moment, Th Muivah, the 91-year-old chief of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (IM), returned to his native village Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Wednesday after an absence of over five decades.

Thousands of Naga people, dressed in their traditional attire, gathered at the Ukhrul district headquarters to welcome Muivah, showcasing their love and respect for the veteran leader. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as locals hailed Muivah as a legend, as a mark to his enduring legacy among the Naga people.

Muivah, who plays a key role as the principal negotiator in the Naga peace talks with the Centre, is scheduled to spend a week in Somdal before departing for Dimapur on October 29. His visit to the region comes at a time when Manipur is grappling with ongoing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.

As part of the arrangements for his visit, a helipad was constructed at Somdal to facilitate Muivah's arrival. Security preparations have been put in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful visit.

Muivah's return to his ancestral home after such a long time has generated significant excitement among the local population, with many describing the moment as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His presence is expected to bring a sense of unity and solidarity among the Naga people during these challenging times.