Ukhrul (Manipur), Oct 22 (NNN): NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah returned to his native village Somdal in Manipur, after 61 years on Wednesday. The 92-year-old NSCN-IM leader left home in 1964 to join the Naga national movement.
Earlier, the chopper carrying Muivah from Dimapur airport stopped at Ukhrul town for about two hours where thousands of people welcomed the NSCN-IM general secretary. The programme was organised at Tangkhul Naga Long Ground in Ukhrul district headquarters. Scores of top NSCN-IM leaders and leaders from various communities also joined the programme, which began at around 11 am.
People started converging at Tangkhul Naga Long Ground just before 8 am. Leaders from various communities (non-Nagas) also joined the reception programme.
As the chopper carrying Muivah, which started from Dimapur airport in Nagaland touched down Bakshi Ground near Tangkhul Naga Long Ground in Ukhrul, people holding Naga flags screamed and whistled with excitement while welcoming the NSCN-IM leader. For many, it was a moment to be emotional as they waved the Naga flags in teary eyes.
Choirs and artistes performed their items for the NSCN-IM leader as he sat in the dais with other dignitaries.
The chopper, two hours later, took the NSCN-IM leader to Somdal village where a similar reception was organised.
