Excitement and emotion are running high in Manipur’s Ukhrul district as preparations gather pace for the long-awaited homecoming of Thuingaleng Muivah, the revered leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), better known as NSCN (IM). The 91-year-old Naga leader, who has spent the last five decades away from his birthplace, will return to his native village of Somdal on October 22, marking a historic and deeply symbolic moment for Naga communities across the region. According to local sources, Muivah, who currently resides in Dimapur, Nagaland, is expected to spend nearly a week in Somdal before returning. Village authorities, Tangkhul Naga organisations, and local churches are joining hands to make the visit a memorable one. The entire village is being decked up with banners and posters welcoming the leader, while volunteers are working round the clock to ensure smooth arrangements. An official from Ukhrul district administration shared that the enthusiasm is palpable across the hills. “People from all walks of life are contributing to the preparations. Community prayer services, cultural rehearsals, and public gatherings are being organised to mark the occasion,” the official said. “It is not just a visit; it’s a reunion of history, identity, and faith.”
For the villagers of Somdal, Muivah’s return is nothing short of an emotional milestone. Born in 1934, he emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Naga political movement, steering decades of negotiations for peace and self-determination. For many residents, his return rekindles old memories and offers a chance to reconnect with a living symbol of Naga resilience. Maringthei Muivah, one of Th Muivah’s childhood friends, could hardly hide his joy. “For years, we have been waiting for his return,” he said. “He was always a man of vision and courage. Even in his youth, he thought far ahead of us. Seeing him come back home is like witnessing history unfold before our eyes.” Somdal’s village headman, RVS Phungnang, described the event as “one of the happiest moments in the village’s history.” He added that all villagers share a sense of pride and anticipation. “Somdal is preparing not just to welcome a person, but to celebrate the return of one of its greatest sons,” he said. The Somdal Students’ Organisation is also actively involved in the preparations. Its president, Kharmi Shimrang, said, “We grew up listening to his story — his courage, his leadership, and his sacrifices.
His return inspires the younger generation to remember where we come from and what we stand for.” The significance of this visit extends beyond Somdal or the Tangkhul community. Various social and cultural groups from across Manipur have expressed solidarity and joy at the news. The Meitei socio-cultural organisation, Meitei Leepun, termed the occasion a “moment of deep emotional and historical significance” for the entire state. “We see this as a gesture of reconciliation and mutual respect among communities,” a spokesperson said, adding that Muivah’s return underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding in building a peaceful future. The Zomi Reunification Organisation (ZRO), representing another major hill community, also extended a warm welcome, describing Muivah’s return as “euphoric and well-deserved.” In a statement, ZRO remarked, “Considering the hardships, betrayals, and agonies he had endured, this homecoming is a fitting tribute to his perseverance. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and unity.”
