Manipur: Urkhul prepares to receive Naga rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah after 50 years
Oct 22, 2025
Ukhrul (Manipur) [India], October 22 : The Somdal village in Manipur's Ukhrul district is preparing to receive , Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the Isak-Muivah (I-M) faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
The 91-year-old Muivah has played a pivotal role in the fight for Naga autonomy. He will be visiting his native village of Somdal on Wednesday, nearly 50 years after he joined the Naga movement in the mid-1960s. Muivah is one of the founding leaders of the NSCN, a Naga rebel group formed on January 31, 1980.
The NSCN later split into two factions: the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (NSCN-K), led by SS Khaplang, and the NSCN (I-M), led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The split within the outfit occured in April 1988 after witnessing differences over the issue of initiating dialogue with the Indian government.
A massive crowd has gathered at the Tangkhul Long Ground in Ukhrul district headquarters as people eagerly await the arrival of Thuingaleng Muivah, "Ato Kilonser" of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim NSCN/GPRN.
Expressing excitement over Thuingaleng Muivah's homecoming, Lucy Duidang told ANI that she was part of the medical team to monitor his health. 
"I am here from the medical team, with ambulances and specialists to take care of his health. We look forward to his coming here. We wish god's abundant blessings for him so he will be our great leader for a long time."
Nobert Tai, president of the Tangkul Hau Art and Culture Association said, "Words cant express how we feel, we are filled with love for our "Ato Kilonser" . He is a legend. It is ahistoric moment, we are all heading to his village after this. "
The homecoming ceremony, being held today, marks Muivah's return to his hometown after 50 years. People from across the State, along with leaders from various organisations, have arrived at the venue to witness this historic moment.
The atmosphere on the ground is filled with excitement and emotion as the crowd waits to welcome their leader. Many have expressed heartfelt joy, wishing Muivah good health and a long life to continue guiding and serving the Naga people.
This long-awaited visit holds deep emotional and political significance for the Tangkhul community and the Naga movement as a whole.
