Upon his arrival at Somdal, his birthplace, Th. Muivah noted, “This is my village.”
EKHON
Ukhrul, Manipur – The moment Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN’s chopper landed at Bakshi Mini Stadium, Hungpung, Ukhrul, Manipur on the historic day of 22nd October 2025, the air was filled with emotion. Tears flowed and goosebumps rose as the crowd witnessed the homecoming of a man who had spent a lifetime, five decades, fighting for his people’s right to their land.
Th. Muivah was greeted with thunderous cheers and traditional fanfare from the Tangkhul community, who welcomed him with open arms and their traditional best. An escort team from Phungcham, proudly bearing their signature Haofa, accompanied Th. Muivah through the streets of Ukhrul town to the District Headquarter ground, where a historic Homecoming Ceremony was held. The event drew an unprecedented crowd, with a sea of humanity gathering to catch a glimpse of the revered leader.
Th. Muivah’s speech read out by VS Atem, Vc, Member of Collective Leadership NSCN reflected on his 60-year revolutionary journey and the progress made in the Indo-Naga peace process. Some of the key points that he addressed are that the Indo-Naga ceasefire and peace process began in 1997, leading to significant achievement, including the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué (2002) and the Framework Agreement (2015). That the Framework Agreement is non-negotiable, and any attempts to sabotage it will be resisted.
He urged the Naga people to unite and defend their sovereignty, history, and national symbols. The NSCN/GPRN will continue to negotiate for an honorable settlement, prepared to face challenges and defend Nagalim’s freedom. His message emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and unity in achieving Nagalim’s goals.
Th. Muivah’s return also brought together the people of Manipur, transcending ethnic and communal boundaries. For the first time after the deadly communal conflict erupted in the State, Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis, Pangals, and other communities come together to celebrate the homecoming of the top Naga leader.
Arrival at Somdal Village
Upon his arrival at Somdal, his birthplace, Th. Muivah gazed around and quietly noted, “This is my village.” His demeanor transformed, and he seemed to awaken, showing a deep sense of connection and nostalgia for his ancestral home. The familiarity of the surroundings appeared to stir within him, and he visibly relaxed, embracing the warmth of his childhood community with each handshake and smile. His peers enthusiastically welcomed him, calling out their names, hoping to spark memories of their childhood.
While the Ato Kilonser could not address the gathering owing to his health, RH Raising’s brief speech at the welcome program highlighted the significance of Th. Muivah’s return home as a living person, a blessing that sets him apart from his comrades like AZ Phizo, Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan, and General Kholi who made the ultimate sacrifice but returned home in coffins.
“I have witnessed many attempts on his life, but he has been spared by the blessings of God,” noted RH Raising.
Th. Muivah’s Framework Agreement embodies a vision of partnership with India, not assimilation. It affirms the Naga people’s desire to coexist with India, while maintaining our distinct identity. ‘We will stay with India, but not within India’,” stated Raising of Th. Muivah’s aspiration for the Nagas. He appealed the people to embrace this spirit of coexistence and partnership.
The Naga leader will be residing at the Gethsemane Prayer Hall, Somdal with his wife Pakahao Muivah till October 28th. Following his visit, he will travel to Senapati on 29th October, where he will be felicitated again before he returns to Dimapur.
- Jenny Thingshung
