Historic Homecoming: Naga Leader Th Muivah Returns After 50 Years

NSCN(IM) supremo Th Muivah is poised for a historic return to his birthplace in Somdal village, Manipur, on October 22, marking his first visit in five decades. Locals have decked the village with welcome posters to greet the 91-year-old leader's arrival, signifying a momentous occasion for the community.

Muivah, a central figure in the Naga peace talks with the Indian government since a ceasefire in 1997, will remain in Somdal for a week before heading to Dimapur. His visit coincides with ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.

In a show of unified support, diverse community groups, student bodies, and civil society organizations, including the church, are collaborating to ensure a smooth visit. Muivah's homecoming will be celebrated traditionally by the Tangkhul Naga tribe, marking a significant shift from 2010 when his visit faced governmental opposition.