Saralnama, 91-year-old Thuingaleng Muivah returned to his native village Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul after over 50 years. The Naga leader, who joined the independence movement in 1964, arrived by helicopter to a hero's welcome. Muivah, the face of one of South Asia's oldest insurgencies, has been leading peace talks with India since 1997. His week-long visit stirred hopes for a final Naga political settlement. Muivah insisted on a separate Naga flag and constitution as per the 2015 Framework Agreement. His return comes amid Manipur's ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos. Village elders and youth alike gathered to welcome the leader they see as an inspiration for all Nagas. (Updated 23 Oct 2025, 08:51 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- On 25 Oct 2023, 91-year-old Thuingaleng Muivah returned to his native village Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul after over 50 years
- The Naga leader, who joined the independence movement in 1964, arrived by helicopter to a hero's welcome
- Muivah, the face of one of South Asia's oldest insurgencies, has been leading peace talks with India since 1997