Ukhrul (Manipur): Thuingaleng Muivah, the “Ato Kilonser” (Prime Minister) of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN), made a historic return to his hometown of Ukhrul on Wednesday, after five decades.
Now 91 years old, Muivah arrived at Tangkhul Long Ground in Ukhrul district to a massive and emotional welcome. Thousands gathered to greet the veteran Naga leader, who has been a central figure in the Naga autonomy movement since the 1960s.
Muivah is scheduled to visit his native village of Somdal, marking his first return since joining the armed Naga movement nearly 50 years ago. His visit carries profound emotional and symbolic weight for the Tangkhul community and the broader Naga population.
Muivah is a founding member of the NSCN, formed on January 31, 1980. The group later split into two factions in April 1988—NSCN-K (Khaplang), led by SS Khaplang, and NSCN-IM, led by Isak Chisi Swu and Muivah—over differences on whether to engage in dialogue with the Indian government.
Ahead of Muivah’s arrival, Nobert Tai, president of the Tangkhul Hau Art and Culture Association, expressed the mood of the people, saying, “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; we are all heading to his village after this.”
The atmosphere at the homecoming ceremony was electric and emotional, with many offering prayers for Muivah’s health and longevity, hoping he will continue to guide and serve the Naga people.
Muivah’s return is being seen not only as a personal homecoming, but as a powerful reminder of the ongoing aspirations and struggles of the Naga movement.
