Ukhrul, October 22: The narrow roads leading to Somdal Village, known locally as Shongran, were lined with people waving Naga flags on Wednesday as Thuingaleng Muivah, the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN), returned to his birthplace after five decades.
Members of the Shanao Long, the Village Authority, and residents from neighboring villages, some traveling from distant hills, gathered to welcome the 91-year-old Naga leader. People of all ages, from schoolchildren to elderly men and women, stood for hours to catch a glimpse of him.
As Th. Muivah stepped onto his native soil, he spoke softly, “I’ve reached my native.”
Th. Muivah, returned to his birthplace at 3:24 PM.
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More than 3,000 people from Somdal and neighboring villages poured into the village grounds, waving the Naga flag in a sea of color and devotion. Children, students, and elderly villagers—some well into their nineties—lined the path to catch a glimpse of the 91-year-old Naga leader they affectionately call Avakharar, meaning “Respected Father.”
At the helipad, he was received by his only surviving brother, Asui Muivah. From there, Avakharar walked slowly toward the cheering crowd, pausing to wave as cries of welcome echoed through the hilltop.
A grand reception followed at the Somdal village ground. Led by Rev. Aping Khamrang of Somdal Baptist Church, the gathering erupted in shouts of faith and jubilation:
“Hallelujah – Praise the Lord!”
“Oh Lord our God – Bless Avakharar!”
“Long live, Avakharar!”
During the program, Rh. Raising, a senior NSCN/GPRN official, addressed the crowd with a speech steeped in faith and reflection. “Avakharar is truly blessed,” he said. “Today, he returns to his beloved Home Sweet Home. God has brought him back alive and well, while many of his companions came home in coffins. I have personally witnessed many attempts on his life. He was hunted like an animal, but God protected him.”
He recalled the signing of the Framework Agreement, calling it “a historic moment that affirmed our position that we will stay with India, but not within India — a coexistence of two entities.”
Drawing from scripture, he compared Avakharar to Moses leading his people toward a promised land: “When Moses aged, his hands grew heavy during battle, and Israel faltered. But when Joshua and Caleb held up his hands, the people prevailed. In the same way, we must lift the hands of our anointed leader and stand by him.”
The program concluded with a blessing from Rev. Yarngam Muivah, Pastor TBCB, as the crowd bowed in reverent silence — a poignant close to a homecoming decades in the making.
The homecoming has stirred deep emotion in the Tangkhul Naga community. “It signifies that his return brings light and hope in these dark times,” said a local resident, referring to a series of upcoming events organized in his honor, a community feast on October 24 and a lamp-lighting ceremony on October 27.
Among the villagers was Ningtharla Ruivah, who struggled to hold back tears. “We had been waiting for him eagerly,” she said. “When I finally saw him, tears just came. My husband, who has passed away, was his classmate. Seeing him again brought all the memories back.”
For many in Somdal Village, the return of Avakharar, as Th. Muivah is affectionately known, is more than a personal homecoming. It is a moment steeped in history, identity, and quiet resilience.