Imphal, Oct 21 (NationPress) Exciting preparations are in full swing in Manipur’s Naga-populated Ukhrul and Senapati districts as they eagerly await the long-anticipated return of NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.

At 90 years old, this prominent Naga figure, who also serves as the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), will be visiting his birthplace in Somdal village on October 22 for the first time in half a century.

The excitement in Ukhrul town and Somdal village is palpable as final arrangements are being made.

An official in Ukhrul has reported that Muivah is scheduled to arrive at the district headquarters on Wednesday via helicopter from Dimapur, Nagaland, where he will be welcomed by the Tangkhul Naga community with traditional honors.

Following the reception at the Ukhrul district headquarters, he will travel by road to his ancestral home, Somdal. The entire Tangkhul Naga community is buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to welcome one of Naga history's most significant leaders back home after decades of advocacy for the Naga cause.

According to R.S. Jollyson, Vice President of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Co-Convener of the Organising Committee, all preparations for the grand celebration are nearly finalized.

“This event represents not just the return of a leader but also the revival of history, rekindling unity among the Naga people,” he stated in an interview.

The grand festivities set for October 22 will feature a public gathering at the Ukhrul headquarters, followed by a ceremonial reception at Somdal village, Muivah's birthplace.

Local residents and various organizations have put up banners, decorated entrances, and installed welcome signs throughout Ukhrul and Senapati districts, including Somdal village, in honor of the nonagenarian leader who departed his village over 50 years ago to advocate for the Naga cause.

Officials have indicated that Muivah, a key negotiator in Naga peace discussions with the Union government since the NSCN-IM entered a ceasefire in 1997, is expected to remain in Somdal and Senapati districts for several days before returning to Dimapur.

His eagerly awaited visit coincides with Manipur’s ongoing recovery from ethnic violence that erupted between the non-tribal Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribal groups in May 2023.

Over 260 individuals from both communities have lost their lives, and around 70,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, which has resulted in widespread devastation of both government and private properties, including places of worship, across ten of Manipur's sixteen districts.

After months of turmoil, President’s Rule was instituted in Manipur on February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned.

Village leaders in Tangkhul Naga-dominated areas, alongside youth and student organizations, civil society groups, and the influential church, are taking every possible measure to ensure the success of Muivah’s visit.

The Tangkhul Naga represent the largest Naga tribe in Manipur. While Muivah's planned visit to Ukhrul district in 2010 faced opposition, there have been no objections this time.

Born in 1934, Muivah is a pivotal figure in the modern Naga political movement and remains one of the most influential Naga leaders. Numerous organizations from the Kuki, Zomi, and Meitei communities in Manipur have also expressed their support for Muivah’s visit.

In Manipur, the Naga-inhabited districts include Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Senapati, all situated near the borders of Nagaland and Myanmar.