Imphal, Oct 29 (NationPress) Thuingaleng Muivah, the leader of NSCN-IM, emphasized on Wednesday that the Naga national flag and Constitution are crucial and non-negotiable, while accusing the Centre of 'lacking the political will' to enforce the 2015 Framework Agreement.

This statement was made during a vibrant civic reception for the nonagenarian Naga leader, referred to as Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the NSCN/GPRN (Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland), at the district headquarters of Senapati in Manipur.

Nagas from diverse backgrounds, representing the 21 Naga tribes of Senapati and neighboring districts, gathered for this significant occasion.

Members from various non-Naga communities also participated in the event.

Muivah, who has been a pivotal negotiator in the Naga peace talks with the Union government since the NSCN-IM initiated a ceasefire in 1997, asserted that any honorable negotiated political agreement must align with the Amsterdam Joint Communique and the Framework Agreement, along with the officially recognized Nagalim unique history, sovereignty, territory, national flag, and constitution.

He highlighted, 'The signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communique on July 11, 2002, and the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and NSCN is a recognition of Nagalim's unique history and sovereignty.'

The United Naga Council (UNC), the supreme organization of Nagas in Manipur, declared a 'Genna', a traditional day of respect and celebration, to honor NSCN-IM chief Muivah during the civic reception in Senapati.

In Naga culture, 'Genna' denotes restrictions to promote maximum participation during a national holiday or significant community day. During this period, community members typically refrain from daily activities to observe rituals and celebrate their collective identity. As a mark of respect for this occasion, the UNC had previously instructed that all educational institutions and shops in Naga-inhabited areas remain closed.

UNC President N.G. Lorho announced the 'Genna' in a statement, affirming that the Nagas in Manipur declare a Genna in honor of Muivah during the historic Civic Reception at Tahamzam (Senapati) on October 29.

Muivah visited his birthplace, Somdal village, in the Naga-inhabited Ukhrul district of Manipur on October 22 for the first time in 50 years.

The NSCN-IM leader spent eight days in Somdal village before arriving in Senapati, where organizers reported that over 30,000 people from various Naga-populated districts of Manipur came to honor the 91-year-old tribal leader.

Thousands of Nagas, adorned in traditional attire and waving NSCN-IM flags, welcomed Muivah in the predominantly Naga hill district. Many Naga men, wielding traditional spears and wearing customary headgear, attended the reception.

During the reception, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) displayed the Naga flag at its office in Senapati, symbolizing the student body's unwavering commitment to the Framework Agreement and its fundamental principles, including the acknowledgment of the Naga flag and constitution.

In his speech, ANSAM President Angteshang Maring praised Muivah as 'the living embodiment of the Naga political struggle.'

The large turnout and rich cultural displays showcased the profound respect and emotional bond the Naga people maintain with Muivah, who remains a central figure in the Naga political discourse and the Framework Agreement established with the Centre in 2015.

The event not only celebrated Muivah's return but also reinforced Naga unity and identity amidst ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Naga peace process. The influential Naga organization Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) facilitated all arrangements for Muivah and his associates' anticipated visit to Ukhrul district.