As part of the homecoming celebration of Thuingaleng Muivah, the Ato Kilonser and chief negotiator of the NSCN/GPRN, ‘Zarmei Kashar’, a traditional lighting of pinewood torch and ‘Meifa Shatkharung’, a bonfire, was organised at his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district on Monday evening.
The torch-lighting, which is a sacred act and a long-held custom using sections of pine as an emblem of light, welcome, and honour, was staged as part of the larger welcome events that marked his first visit to Somdal in more than six decades.
At Gethsemane Somdal, the 91-year-old Muivah, along with the Somdal headman, lit up the pinewood torch, a symbol of triumph over darkness and a renewed hope, light, and continuity for the Naga people across borders.
Why the pinewood torch matters
The pinewood torch (Meila Kasar) carries layered meaning in Tangkhul Naga customs. It is a visible, ceremonial beacon of respect and celebration, and in this context symbolised the village’s reverence for the returning son and the light of historical memory and community unity. The torch ceremony was one of several cultural acts organised to receive Muivah.
According to Rev. Yarngam Muivah, pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Bangalore, till 1923, the villagers of Somdal lived in spiritual darkness.
However, in 1924, during the Risit Phanit, which marks the end of the plantation process, Ruichumhao Rungsung, the pioneer of Somdal Baptist Church and a prominent Christian leader, convinced and encouraged every household to light a pine torch, he informed.
“This act symbolised that Jesus is the light of the world and triumph over darkness that had long overshadowed our village,” he said.
“This act enlightened the village and later on produced prominent figures like Suisa Rungsung, a Naga visionary leader and former MP, Ruichumhao Rungsung, and Th. Muivah, who were and are valuable assets to the Naga nation,” said Rev. Muivah.
Since then, the practice of pine resin torch lighting started and gradually spread across the western part of the Tangkhul Naga region.
“This practice is deeply biblical and an indigenous expression of the lordship of Christ over our village and our life.
It also aligned with our national movement because it reflects our declaration of Nagalim for Christ,” he maintained.
Rev. Muivah also emphasised that in honour of Avakharar Muivah, the Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN, and his historic homecoming, to show our unwavering support for the Naga cause, we are lighting the pine torch acknowledging the guiding hands of Jehovah.
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After the lighting of the pine torch, Somdal villagers, both young and old alike, joined the marching along the bonfire celebrating oneness and belongingness.
In unified gratitude and respect to the veteran Naga leader, symbolic bonfires were lit up across the Tangkhul Naga villages and areas, including the iconic Shirui Kashong (peak) at Shirui.
Also Read: Silence of the Wah Umkhrah: What Khasi myths teach us about loss and belonging