Th. Muivah returns to Somdal after six decades
Chief Political Negotiator and Ato Kilonser of the NSCN/GPRN, Thuingaleng Muivah, delivered a historic address at Ukhrul on Wednesday, marking his return five decades after beginning his revolutionary journey in 1964.
Th. Muivah will also visit his native village, Somdal, after more than 50 years. A helicopter with the 91-year-old Naga leader on board landed on the Bakshi ground in the district headquarters, news agency PTI reported.
Expressing gratitude to God, the Naga people, and the authorities that facilitated his visit, Muivah reflected on the origins and course of the Naga political movement and reiterated its foundational goal of defending Naga sovereignty.
According to a copy of Th. Muivah’s speech, which was made available to this newspaper through the MIB of NSCN/GPRN, the Ato Kilonser recounted the historical milestones of the Indo-Naga political peace process, highlighting three key agreements: the 1997 ceasefire, the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué (2002), and the Framework Agreement (2015) as the cornerstones of the Naga people’s political struggle and the basis for any honorable settlement. He asserted that these documents recognize Nagalim’s “unique history,” “sovereignty,” and the principles of “sharing of sovereign powers,” which, he said, entail the recognition of the Naga national flag and constitution.
He recalled the sacrifices of past Naga leaders and freedom fighters across tribes, denounced human-rights violations during the Indo-Naga conflict, and urged unity among all Nagas against attempts to divide them. Reaffirming the NSCN’s position that “Nagalim shall be for Christ,” Muivah concluded with a message of faith, perseverance, and gratitude, saying the Naga struggle would continue “to the last” until sovereignty, represented by the flag and constitution, is fully realized. (Read full speech here)
The message of Ato Kilonser Thuingaleng Muivah was delivered by his spouse, Pakahao Muivah, in Tangkhul language on his behalf. While reading the message, she explained that the Ato Kilonser was “fatigued from travel,” Ukhrul Times reported.
Thousands of Nagas turned up at the Ukhrul district headquarters to welcome the Naga leader.
Th. Muivah, who has been the principal negotiator in the Naga peace talks with the Centre since the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire in 1997, is reported to be likely to stay in Somdal village for a week before departing for Dimapur.
Muivah will head for his native village of Somdal, located 25 km from the district headquarters. A helipad has been constructed at Somdal for his arrival, it was reported.
