SaralnamaWhat happened 50 years after he left, Muivah returns to a hero's welcome, stirs Naga hopes. Thuingaleng Muivah, 91, landed in his native village Somdal, Manipur. The Naga leader, who joined the independence movement in 1964, received a warm reception. Muivah formed NSCN in 1980 and has led peace talks with India since 1997. He addressed supporters through his deputy, reaffirming demands for a Naga flag and constitution. Muivah's week-long visit, his first in over 50 years, has rekindled hopes for the Naga cause. Villagers, including his 80-year-old brother, prepared for a month to welcome him. The visit has united people across ethnic divides in conflict-torn Manipur. (Updated 23 Oct 2025, 11:26 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- What happened 50 years after he left, Muivah returns to a hero's welcome, stirs Naga hopes
- Thuingaleng Muivah, 91, landed in his native village Somdal, Manipur on 25 Oct 2023
- The Naga leader, who joined the independence movement in 1964, received a warm reception