“I still remember his last words before he leaves, ‘Take care of the village, my friend; I’m leaving.’ “Itao na ram hili pamlaga mathalak eina yangno joh, I zatukei.” Even now, recalling that moment still brings a deep sense of emotion,” Khanot Ruivah said.
EKHON
Ukhrul, Manipur: As the Tangkhul community prepares to welcome Thuingaleng Muivah, the General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN), to his ancestral village Somdal after over five decades, Khanot Ruivah, an 87-year-old retired Principal of Pettigrew College, Ukhrul, can’t help but feel emotional. Ruivah and Muivah were childhood friends, and their bond has remained strong despite Muivah’s prolonged absence.
Ruivah fondly recalls his days with Muivah, who is four years his senior. “We were very close, and he would often let me be involved in his activities,” Ruivah said, reminiscing about their childhood days. Despite their age difference, they shared a deep friendship, and their academic pursuits often intersected. Both Ruivah and Muivah pursued honors in Economics, with Muivah graduating from St. Anthony’s College in 1960 and Ruivah from St. Edmund’s College in 1964. However, their paths diverged when Muivah joined the Naga movement.
Ruivah’s eyes light up as he talks about Muivah’s determination and strong will. “He is someone who is determined to do what he wants. If he puts his mind on something, he has to achieve it,” Ruivah said, recalling instances from their childhood in Somdal village and college days. Muivah’s decision to join the Naga movement in 1964 marked the beginning of his long journey away from home, with a brief secret visit in 1973 being the only exception.
As Muivah prepares to return to Somdal after 52 years, Ruivah is overjoyed. “When I heard that my friend is coming home, I know that it is the will of God,” Ruivah said, expressing his excitement and anticipation.
“I never imagined that he would come back, but in my heart, I wished to meet him before he died,” Ruivah added. Though he won’t be able to attend the public meeting in Ukhrul on October 22, he plans to visit Muivah in Somdal soon. Ruivah prays for Muivah’s safe return and long life, hoping that a peaceful resolution to the Naga issue will be achieved before he passes away.
Ruivah also recalls the day Muivah left to join the Naga movement. “He was barely 28 or 29 years old, full of life and potential,” Ruivah said. “I still remember his last words before he leaves, ‘Take care of the village, my friend; I’m leaving.’ “Itao na ram hili pamlaga mathalak eina yangno joh, I zatukei.” It still evoked a strong emotion in me, he confessed.
Ruivah also shared the details into Muivah’s academic journey. According to him, Muivah passed his matriculation from Ukhrul High School, the only high school in the area, in 1956. He then pursued his intermediate studies at Barapani Union Christian College, completing it in 1958. Muivah went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Economics from St. Anthony’s College in 1960.
Ruivah, who followed a similar academic path, recalled that he completed his intermediate studies at St. Edmund’s College in Shillong in 1962 and later earned his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Economics from the same college in 1964.
Both Muivah and Ruivah were likely the first Tangkhuls to pass with honors in Economics, a rare achievement at the time. After completing his undergraduate studies, Muivah pursued his Master’s degree at Guwahati University, graduating in 1962. Two years later, he joined the Naga movement.
The upcoming homecoming has sparked excitement among the Tangkhul community, with many eagerly awaiting Muivah’s return. For Ruivah, it’s a chance to reconnect with his dear friend and relive fond memories.
