Historic reception: 60k people welcome Muivah in Senapati

Senapati: The Senapati District Stadium turned into a sea of people waving the rainbow flag on Wednesday as thousands of Nagas in traditional attire gathered to welcome their revered leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of NSCN-IM, during a historic civic reception.The gathering, estimated to be around 60,000, also included people from Meitei, Pangal (Muslims), Kuki and Nepali organisations. They brought bouquets and gifts during the civic reception.Soon after his arrival, Muivah read out his brief greetings, “My beloved people of Senapati and Southern Nagalim. I am very delighted to meet you all today through your unwavering support, love, and prayer for me and the Naga nation.

We should never forget our history. We are not lost people. We shall bring an honourable Indo-Naga political solution based on the Framework Agreement. I seek your cooperation with us in prayer.“My dear countrymen, through love and forgiveness, let us build up our nation again. Kuknalim!”Deputy ‘Ato Kilonser’ of NSCN-IM Gen Retd VS Atem, who read out the speech on behalf of Muivah, reiterated that the leadership remained steadfast in its pursuit of an “honourable Indo-Naga solution based on Amsterdam Communique and the Framework Agreement”.

The veteran leader also called for unity among Nagas, urging them to rebuild the Naga nation through love, understanding and forgiveness.Home to diverse Naga communities, including the Poumai, Mao, and Maram, Senapati witnessed one of its largest gatherings in recent memory.The event marked a moment of unity and reverence for Muivah, the chief political negotiator of the NSCN/GPRN, who has led the Naga movement for self-determination for over six decades.After a week-long stay at his native village Somdal, Muivah arrived in Senapati by helicopter, where he was accorded a rousing welcome by thousands of supporters. Traditional Poumai troupes performed as part of the ceremonial reception. Students formed human chains along the road leading to the stadium, greeting Muivah with chants and songs of solidarity.The event, organised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and hosted by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), drew people from across southern Nagalim and beyond.In a deeply symbolic gesture, 134 ordained Naga Christian leaders came together to pray for Muivah’s health, longevity and continued guidance of the Naga people.After the ceremony, Muivah departed Senapati by helicopter for Dimapur, concluding a visit that many described as “momentous” in strengthening bonds among the Nagas of Manipur and reaffirming their collective aspiration for peace and dignity.