Our attention was brought to the news item that NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is set to visit Somdal village in Ukhrul district in Manipur on 22nd October,2025. Some organisations from various communities have welcomed the proposed visit. There are various arguments being made out.
What makes sense and merits about such a visit is a baffling for us. Born on March 3rd,1934; Muivah is now 91 years old. He had left his village decades back on a mission. He showed dreams to the Naga people. The dreams were grand. It is about freedom-the most cherished and most desired wish of humans.
But today after years of sacrifice by Nagas especially Zeliangrong people what we have is empty hands. Thuingaleng Muivah is also visiting his native village and some parts of Naga areas like Senapati ‘empty handed.’
This makes us raise same fundamental questions. Why glorify an individual who has failed Nagas on all fronts? Not only those of us who have tracked Naga matters, “freedom movement” and even others know how Mr. Muivah has been personally responsible for targeting many individuals.
He ordered merciless killings of many prominent leaders in the name of Naga nationalism and sovereignty. He ordered arson in villages in the name of taxation or fighting the Indian army and it was all the common Nagas who made the sacrifices. All these things were happening when Muivah, and his close associate were hopping from one international destination to another. So as Muivah visits Somdal on October 22nd our point is he should tender an unqualified apology to Nagas for all the lapses committed over the years.
May we also point out that such demand (s) have not come for the first time. A few years back a noted and renowned Naga church leader had proposed the idea of apology from the stalwarts of the underground movement as well as from others if necessary for a general acknowledgement of past mistakes and repentance. In fact, it is a common knowledge of Nagas that Thuingaleng Muivah needs to apologise for going against the institution of the Naga National Council (NNC) by forming the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)on January 31,1980.
The formation of NSCN brought in the discriminate killing culture of the communists. The phenomenon was learned by Muivah from his gurus and ideological masters in China. Moreover, all these were so much unchristian-like happenings.
Bloodshed had no place in earlier Naga life even as the ‘freedom movement’ was started way back. NNC cadres and other Naga soldiers fought Indian army and other adversaries but the culture of mutual killings and annihilation came from Muivah and his gang. Here we may mention a few recent events and incidents of clashes and violence for general understanding of Naga people and even other stakeholders in the sub-continent and in South Asia and South East Asia.
In recent past, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) accused the NSCN-IM of a “deliberate pattern of targeted persecution,” leading to fear and alienation among the Zeliangrong people. The ZUF warned that failing to cease these offensive confrontations could lead to new clashes within Naga society.
The ZUF has made it clear earlier that NSCN-IM’s version of Naga Socialism is authoritarian and enforced by arms, causing international discussions among different Naga communities. We all are aware that Zeliangrong people have their own distinct political aspirations for a “Zeliangrong Homeland” within Indian Union, under the leadership of Ranima Gaidinliu.
The cessation of operation between Government of India and ZUF was signed and several rounds of talks have been held for final settlement to fulfil the political aspiration of the Zeliangrong people. This cherished desire of Zeliangrong people were never appreciated by NSCN-IM leadership.
Finally, we have reasons to demand an apology from him when he visits Somdal or any other part of Manipur State. Reports indicate that NSCN-IM has already established camps in Zeliangrong areas to control territory, raise extortions, and impose illegal taxes on National Highway and Trans-Asians railways. The ZUF is committed to work for our people. We will decide our future course of action till we achieve our long drawn cherished political aspiration. In recent past, several members from various NSCN factions have joined ZUF. This shows while NSCN-IM gangs are losing ground and support base the ZUF will continue the struggle and its sacred journey braving all hurdles and challenges.
Mr. Muivah’s proposed visit is a deceptive attempt to rekindle the lost spirit of Naga Nationalism; using false propaganda to mislead the people, he seeks only to further his own selfish political ambitions in the name of Naga sovereignty, it is nothing but a desperate attempt.
The 2015 Framework Agreement had been deliberately misrepresented to the Naga people and has failed to deliver genuine solution. Therefore, appeals to the Naga people particularly Zeliangrong people to be vigilant against such hollow political propaganda. The NSCN-IM campaign seems to be cursed, doomed, and denounced
Louis Gangmei
Secretary,
Information & Publicity
Zeliangrong United Front
Saturday, November 8, 2025