Thousands converge at Ukhrul to roll out red carpet for Ato Kilonser Nagas prepared to face any challenge, says Muivah

Mungchan Zimik
UKHRUL, Oct 22 : NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah has stated that the Nagas are prepared to face any challenge or eventuality on the battlefield and on the negotiating table.
As the NSCN (IM) supremo reached Ukhrul today on his way to Somdal after a gap of 50 years, thousands of people came out on the streets and accorded him a warm reception by waving the rainbow-coloured Naga National Flag.
Ukhrul was a sea of humanity as thousands from all over gathered to receive the Ato Kilonser on his first visit to his homeplace after more than half a century.
A grand reception ceremony was held for the nonagenarian NSCN (IM) supremo at Wino Bazar ground, Ukhrul district headquarters.
Deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem addressed the huge gathering on behalf of Ato Kilonser Th Muivah.
On behalf of Muivah, VS Atem said that Nagas have strong confidence in the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue for a positive outcome.
Nagalim lies in the tri-junction of Myanmar, China and India, and Nagas have been defending the sovereign existence of Nagalim for the past 79 years.
After the Indo-Naga ceasefire, a political peace process began between NSCN (IM) and Government of India (GoI) as two sovereign entities on August 1, 1997.
This was followed by the signing of the Amsterdam joint communique on July 11, 2002 that recognized Nagalim’s unique history and situation and it admitted that the issue of Nagalim is not an internal matter of India or Myanmar.
The Framework Agreement (FA) which was signed on August 3, 2015 between GoI and NSCN (IM) recognized and acknowledged the "unique history and position" of Nagalim and the fact that sovereignty lies with the people.
Sovereignty represents and constitutes National identity, the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement have recognized and acknowledged the Naga National flag and the Naga National Constitution (Yezabo), Atem said speaking on behalf of Muivah.
He said the Amsterdam joint communique and the Framework Agreement have laid the foundations for an honourable, negotiated political settlement.
Naga struggle for self determination is not a secessionist movement but a war of resistance for political solutions.
The ongoing political negotiations with the GoI is on account of the blood, sweat, and tears of the sons and daughters of Nagalim, Atem said.
Naga National Flag and Naga National Constitution are non negotiable, NSCN/GPRN does not recognize any other so called "agreement" signed by GoI with some factions to duplicate and sabotage the hard earned peace process, Atem said reading out Muivah’s message.
In case of betrayal of the Amsterdam joint communique and the Framework agreement, the position of NSCN/GPRN is clear that “we shall continue to fight a war of liberation and resistance against the occupational forces in self defence”, he said.
Th. Muivah also praised past and present Prime Ministers including late Rajesh Pilot for taking bold decisions and contributing towards realization of the Indo-Naga political peace process.
He also expressed gratitude to all who have supported him, and made it possible to return to his birthplace, Somdal village.
Muivah said that his revolutionary journey began six decades ago from here in Tangkhul country in 1964.
A special blessing prayer for Avakharar Th Muivah was also conducted by the ordained ministers and Pastors led by Sekshim Kasar, General Secretary, CNC.
Meanwhile, the TNL president Sword Vashum said that it was a sea of humanity and it clearly shows “our collective support to the leadership of Avakharar Th Muivah.”
“Naga shall not live in pieces or bits but we are a united people”, he said. COCOMI spokesperson Athouba stated that Muivah is a tall leader and his home visit after a gap of 50 years is a historic moment, and they warmly welcomed him.
Later, Deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem unveiled a monument constructed in the name of Th Muivah at Kasomtang, Ukhrul.
The programme was attended by a host of NSCN/GPRN including top leaders from the collective leadership.
After the grand reception ceremony, Th Muivah headed to Somdal village for a weeklong stay.
On his way back to Hebron, Dimapur, the NSCN(IM) supremo will  attend a meeting at Senapati on October 29.