Ukhrul: Manipur’s Ukhrul is all set to receive its son, Thuingaleng Muivah, the revered leader of the NSCN-IM, to his native home, after long years away for the Naga movement.
The grand homecoming ceremony is scheduled to take place at Ukhrul district ground after Th Muivah, the Ato Kilonser of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim/Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN) arrives on Wednesday (October 22).
The NSCN/GPRN leader will travel from Dimapur by chopper and will be landing at Bakshi ground, Hungpung before he address a public gathering at the district headquarters ground. Later, he will leave for his birthplace Somdal for a week-long stay before he leaves for Dimapur via Senapati district on October 29.
Several hoardings and posters of Muivah have been put up across the Ukhrul town and his Somdal village as Ukhrul people prepares to welcome him with joy and excitement. Also, mural paintings of various Naga leaders, including Muivah’s have been painted in several walls across the Ukhrul town, symbolising their deep love and respect to the leaders.
Dressed in their colourful traditional attires, thousands of the Tangkhul community from all walks of life and across villages are expected to witness the historic and momentous homecoming of Muivah.
Muivah, a Tangkhul Naga community, is returning to his home town Ukhrul and native village Somdal after more than 50 years away from home and his loved ones.
This will be his first visit in the district after joining the Naga movement in 1964, except for a brief and secluded visit in 1973 during the dedication ceremony of the village church.
According to RS Jollyson, Vice President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Co-convener of the Organising Committee, all arrangements for the grand reception of Th Muivah are all set and just remain with the last finishing touch.
Since day one, the preparation has been progressing smoothly, and we are now almost done. The spirit and unity among the people have been overwhelming, he said.
He also informed that the organising committee, which comprised of various Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs), has received unprecedented moral, physical, and financial support from individuals, communities, and institutions across the region.
“This shows the deep love and respect our people hold for Ato Kilonser Th Muivah. Everyone is contributing in their own way to make this historic occasion a memorable one,” he expressed.
To ensure smooth coordination and security, the committee has issued a set of guidelines for the event. A special media briefing will be held at 8 am on October 22 at the TNL Multi-Purpose Building, where official press passes will be distributed after a detailed orientation and security clearance. The CSO leader also cautioned that any media personnel failing to attend the briefing will not be allowed entry into the designated media gallery during the event.
In view of the security and public safety, the committee has also banned the private use of drones in and around Ukhrul town during the homecoming ceremony. Only officially approved drones will be permitted for aerial documentation. “This will be strictly monitored throughout the event,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex student body of the Tangkhul community, have called for the suspension of all schools and colleges activities within its jurisdiction on October 22 in honour of the historic homecoming of Ato Kilonser Th Muivah.
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According to Ramreichan Keishing, president of TKS, the student community are filled with great joy and excitement as they are set to witness and celebrate the homecoming of Th Muivah, one of the tallest and revered leaders in the history of the Naga movement.
“Many students do not have an opportunity to meet him so far. So visiting here at his homeland will be a golden opportunity for the student community to meet him,” added Keishing.
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