Th muivah biography of martin

Home / Political Leaders & Public Figures / Th muivah biography of martin

The change of their base came as a blessing in disguise. Major points of contention include:

• The NSCN (IM)’s demand for a separate flag and constitution, which the Indian government is reluctant to concede post the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The idea of Greater Nagalim, which faces stiff opposition from neighboring states like Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Internal dissent within Naga civil society and other insurgent groups.

Muivah has insisted that no solution will be acceptable unless it is based on the framework agreement and includes the flag and constitution, which he calls the “soul of the Naga people.”

Personal Life and Leadership Style

Thuingaleng Muivah is known for his simple lifestyle, strong Christian values, and resolute leadership.

The NSCN was formed as a result of discontentment with the Shillong Accord, and continued secessionist activities abandoned by the NNC. The group later split into NSCN (IM) led by Swu and Muivah, and NSCN (K) led by Khaplang due to major disagreements.

NSCN (IM) under the leadership of Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in August 1997 after decades of engaging in hostile fighting with Indian security forces.

As a young boy, Muivah experienced the dramatic changes brought on by India’s post-independence political landscape, where issues of sovereignty and identity became highly contentious for the Naga people.

After completing his early education in the local schools of Somdal, Muivah went on to pursue higher studies in the state capital of Imphal and later in Shillong.

From his early education and involvement in the Naga struggle to his leadership of the NSCN-IM and his engagement in peace talks, Muivah has remained a steadfast advocate for the rights of the Naga people. Despite being in his 90s, he remains active in policy decisions and continues to command the respect of his people and cadres.

Th. Muivah knows too well that politics is not only about arms; international support is needed.

It was here that Muivah began to understand the complexities of Naga identity in the context of Indian independence.

Entry into Politics and Naga Nationalism

Muivah’s engagement with the Naga nationalist cause began in the early 1960s when he became actively involved in student politics. As the General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), or NSCN (IM), Muivah has not only led one of the most influential insurgent groups in the region but has also played a critical role in shaping the dialogue for peace between the Naga people and the Indian state.

Under Muivah’s direction, the organization engaged with international human rights bodies and sought global recognition for the Naga cause.

Peace Initiatives and Ceasefire Agreement

After decades of insurgency, a turning point came in 1997 when NSCN (IM) signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.

His strong resolve was evident as the NSCN-IM began to gain support not only from Naga communities across the region but also from the broader global diaspora of Naga peoples. As a straight-talking negotiator, Muivah unequivocally stated that the Naga flag and constitution are indivisible parts of recognized sovereignty and the unique history of the Naga people, and there will be no Naga solution without the flag and constitution as these were the symbols of Naga Nationhood.

On the day he was felicitated at a grand function at Hebron for completing 60 years of outstanding service for the Naga nation, he urged the Naga people to safeguard Nagas’ rights and to keep on fighting without fear lest it slip away.

Muivah’s statements in defense of Naga’s rights:

• “Nagas are not lost people, and if India respects the history of the Nagas, we will respect India 10 times more.”
• “Nagas will never join the Indian Union nor accept India’s Constitution.”
• “Nagas and India will remain two separate entities.”
• “There could be no compromise on the NSCN’s insistence on the Naga flag and Naga constitution.

  Ironically, the infamous Shillong Accord came as a rude shock to them. There were no other options but to abort the mission as the Chinese advised them to return home and rebuild the Naga government was not an option. We have stood our ground on these two non-negotiable issues, and we shall continue to stand till the last man standing.”

NSCN felt enormous pride as it celebrated NSCN General Secretary and Ato Kilonser of GPRN Th.

Muivah’s 60 years of national service. These values were essential in shaping his worldview and played a central role in his later political endeavors. For Muivah, any settlement with India must recognize this uniqueness.

NSCN (IM)’s Armed Struggle

During the 1980s and 1990s, the NSCN (IM) carried out a sustained guerrilla campaign against Indian security forces, operating across the jungles of Nagaland and bordering Myanmar.

I favored Th. Muivah, Secretary, NNC, the man I found admirable”-said Scato Swu.

Muivah was thus sent to China in 1967. This led to the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, whereby the GOI recognized the “Unique history and situation of the Nagas.” This official recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas was mutually accepted by the government of India and NSCN as the realistic step forward in solving the Naga political issue.

After the recognition of the unique history of the Nagas and situation, NSCN with Th.

Muivah as the chief negotiator, braced for some tough talking before the historic Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015, wherein the sovereign identity of the Nagas was recognized. At a time when the Naga insurgency was being met with intense military retaliation from the Indian state, Muivah’s ability to sustain the movement, albeit in a protracted and difficult manner, was a testament to his leadership qualities.

The Ceasefire and Peace Talks

The turning point in ThuingalengMuivah’s career came in 1997 when the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.