Naga leader Th Muivah returns Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul after five decades
Naga leader Th Muivah returns Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul after five decades
Digital Desk: NSCN (IM) supremo Th Muivah arrived in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on October 22 to visit his native village of Somdal, marking his first return in more than 50 years, officials said. By helicopter, the 91-year-old Naga leader touched down at Bakshi ground in the district headquarters.
To greet him, thousands of Naga women dressed traditionally and men with spears and headdresses gathered.
According to an official, Muivah, who has been the main negotiator in the Naga peace negotiations with the Centre since the NSCN (IM) agreed to a ceasefire in 1997, is scheduled to spend a week in Somdal before travelling to Dimapur via Senapati district on October 29. To handle his arrival, a helipad has been built in Somdal.
The visit coincides with ongoing ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups in Manipur, which has resulted in thousands of displaced people and over 260 fatalities since May 2023.
High-ranking NSCN (IM) officials were also present at Ukhrul. Locals conducted a cleanliness campaign throughout the district headquarters prior to Muivah's visit, showcasing Naga leaders' wall paintings and hoardings.
