Archive · 26 Oct 2025
Muivah's Return: Hopes and Hurdles for Peace in Manipur
An important Naga leader, Muivah, went back to his village after a long time.
This is a big deal because he's a key figure in trying to make peace with the Indian government.
He and his group want their own flag and constitution, but the government isn't sure about this.
Some people think he's trying to keep the Naga movement alive, even though things aren't going smoothly.
There are disagreements about what "shared sovereignty" means, and the government worries about other groups wanting similar things.
The visit is seen positively by some, but there are also concerns about ongoing issues like extortion.
Thuingaleng Muivah, of NSCN (I-M), returned to his native village in Manipur after 50 years.
Muivah stated the Indian government has betrayed the Framework Agreement by not recognizing the Nagalim flag and constitution.
The Framework Agreement of 2015 is interpreted differently by the government and NSCN (I-M).
Other Naga groups, like NNPG, also have ceasefire agreements or 'Agreed Position' with the government.
The visit was welcomed by some, with potential for reconciliation, despite existing challenges such as extortion.
- Who
- Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary of NSCN (I-M), returned to his village.
- What
- Muivah's visit to Manipur after 50 years, and its implications on the Naga peace process.
- When
- October 22nd, for a 10-day visit.
- Where
- Somdal village, Ukhrul district, Manipur.
- Why
- To assert the importance of the Naga movement and address the ongoing peace negotiations.
NSCN (I-M) Perspective
Indian Government's Perspective
Sovereignty
NSCN (I-M) Perspective
Views "shared sovereignty" as "co-equal sovereignty", suggesting two entities in a confederal relationship.
Indian Government's Perspective
Interprets "shared sovereignty" as broad autonomy under the Indian Constitution.
Flag and Constitution
NSCN (I-M) Perspective
Demands recognition of a separate flag and constitution.
Indian Government's Perspective
Considers these demands as potentially destabilizing and unlikely to be granted.
Peace Process Success
NSCN (I-M) Perspective
Believes the GoI is betraying the Framework Agreement
Indian Government's Perspective
May interpret the lack of a flag and constitution as upholding the Indian Constitution.
- Event
- Thuingaleng Muivah's return to his native village in Manipur
- Location
- Somdal village, Ukhrul district, Manipur
- Muivah's Role
- General Secretary of NSCN (I-M)
- Framework Agreement
- Signed in 2015 between GoI and NSCN (I-M)
- NNPG
- A conglomerate of six Naga groups