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(photo Credit : National Socialist Council of Nagaland (ISAK-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah is welcomed in Ukhrul in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Handam Nath),
After more than five decades, Naga rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah returned to his hometown in India’s north-eastern state of Manipur on Wednesday, October 22, in a historic and emotional homecoming. His arrival in Ukhrul district was greeted with joy and celebration as thousands of people gathered to welcome the 91-year-old leader. (AP photo)

(photo Credit : A helicopter carrying National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah lands in his native village Somdal in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath),
Triumphant return: A helicopter carrying Muivah landed from a clear blue sky in Ukhrul, where men and women in traditional Naga attire – adorned with feathered caps and spears – gathered to welcome him, news agency Associated Press reported. The atmosphere was festive, with school children waving the blue Naga flag, which was symbolically decorated with a rainbow and a white star. (AP photo)

(photo Credit : National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah arrives in Ukhrul in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath),
Decades of exile: Muivah’s return to his birthplace marks nearly fifty years after he left home in 1964 to join the Naga freedom movement. He last visited Manipur briefly in 1973, while his attempt to return in 2010 was blocked by the state government, leading to widespread protests and casualties. (AP Photo)

(photo Credit : A Naga wearing traditional attire waits for the arrival of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (ISAK-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muingaleng Muivah in Ukhrul in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Handam Nath),
Naga conflict: The Naga rebellion, which began in the 1950s, emerged from the demand for an independent homeland for the Naga people – an indigenous community spread across several states in India’s north-east. Over the decades, the movement has been marked by both political negotiations and armed conflict. (AP Photo)

However, a final agreement on peace talks between the Government of India and Muivah’s group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) – or NSCN (IM) – in 1997 has yet to be reached. The main points of contention, such as the demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution, remain unresolved. (AP Photo)

(photo Credit : National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah embraces his wife as he arrives in Ukhrul in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath),
political rights: Currently, Muivah is leading talks with the central government of India to ensure greater political and cultural autonomy for the Naga people. Therefore, their return to Ukhrul holds both symbolic and political significance – seen as a reminder of the long and complex path towards lasting peace in the region. (AP Photo)

(photo Credit : People welcome National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah as he arrives in Ukhrul in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath),
Perpetual Pursuit: As one of the most influential figures in the Naga movement, Muivah’s visit has raised hopes of renewed dialogue and reconciliation among supporters, even as the future of the Naga peace process remains uncertain. (AP Photo)