Somdal eagerly awaits Ato Kilonser Th Muivah
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 28 2025: Anticipating Th Muivah's return after over 5 decades in October end, Somdal village in Ukhrul district is quietly preparing for a "grand reception".

The atmosphere in the village is elated, and the locals, young and old, are eager to see the NSCN-IM leader come home.

Th Muivah is scheduled to visit his hometown, Somdal on October 22 and stay there till the 28th.RVS Phungnang, headman of Somdal, said that the village is preparing a grand celebration to welcome Muivah and invoke blessings.

"The grand celebration is to show our gratitude to him for the sacrifices he has made for the Naga people," the headman said.

Somdal eagerly awaits Ato Kilonser Th Muivah

Notably, a statue of Muivah and his wife Paka-hao has been erected in the Somdal village.

Maringthei Muivah, a contemporary of the Ato Kilonser, stated that Muivah possesses a strong leadership quality.

"He never keeps a task incomplete.

He always takes the responsibility to lead his peers," Maringthei said.

Kharmi Shimrang, president of Somdal student organization said, "We are eagerly waiting for his return.

We have faith in him and we wish him good health" .

"We, the younger generations, have strong emotional attachment with Avakharar Muivah.

The Somdal Church regularly conducts special prayers for the son of the soil," Shimrang said.

Asui Muivah, younger brother of Th Muivah, recalled his childhood memories.

He recalled that Th Muivah joined the Naga freedom movement after completing Master's degree from Cotton College, Guwahati.

"In 1964, he told the family that he would leave home to join the Naga freedom movement.

He asked our family to remember him in our prayers," Asui Muivah said.

After he went underground, Th Muivah once returned home in 1973 during the Church dedication ceremony of the village, but he stayed in the jungle, Asui said.

"My brother Muivah is returning home after 52 years.

All our other siblings, Longrungla Muivah, Shangreihan Muivah, James Muivah and our parents have all left for the heavenly abode while he was far away from home.

Now, there are only the two of us left," Asui said.

His return has always been a distant dream.

It may come true this time.

If he comes home, it will be a great reunion, Asui added.

Ramthingyan Ruivah, convener of Somdal Village Organising Committee, highlighted the itinerary of the Ato Kilonser.

On October 22, the whole of the villagers including from the neighbouring villages will give a warm reception to the NSCN-IM leader in Somdal, Ruivah said.

"We have plans to take Muivah to important village sites.

A special day is reserved for lighting a torch (Meila Kasar) at night - a pine wood light to symbolise the glory of the leader during his homecoming," Ruivah said.