Global Naga Forum welcomes Th. Muivah’s visit to Somdal after 52 years

DIMAPUR — The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed appreciation to several civil society organisations and government authorities for welcoming the visit of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah to his native village, Somdal, after more than five decades.

In a press communiqué issued on Tuesday, the GNF said it deeply appreciated the gesture of goodwill and understanding extended by various organisations, including Meitei Leepun, United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Zomi Re-Unification Organisation (ZRO), and Kuki Tribal Union (KTU/NSCN), in welcoming the visit, which it described as “historic.”

The forum also conveyed its appreciation to the Government of India and the Manipur government for their “positive role” in facilitating the long-awaited visit, describing the occasion as a step towards “mutual respect and understanding among all communities.”

Recalling that a similar attempt by Muivah to visit Somdal in 2010 had met with resistance from state authorities and certain Meitei and Kuki organisations—resulting in the deaths of two Mao Naga students during police firing at Mao Gate—the GNF said the current show of solidarity reflects “a significant shift toward dialogue, peace, and reconciliation.”

The forum extended its best wishes to Muivah for good health and a memorable and joyful homecoming, expressing hope that the visit would “inspire deeper understanding, unity, and respect among all peoples of the region.”

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