United Naga Council declares holiday for civic reception honouring NSCN-IM Leader Thuingaleng Muivah

United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, has declared holiday to honour NSCN-IM supremo Thuingaleng Muivah’s upcoming civic reception, scheduled for October 29 in Senapati district headquarters.

Muivah is on a week-long visit to his village Somdal after almost 50 years. UNC has declared a ‘Genna’, a traditional day of respect and celebration, to honour Muivah’s upcoming civic reception, scheduled for October 29 in Senapati district headquarters.

'Genna', in Naga culture and customs, refers to restrictions to ensure maximum participation when a national holiday or an important day for the community is observed.


During this time, Naga community members customarily abstain from routine activities to observe rituals and celebrate collective identity. The UNC has directed that all educational institutions and shops across Naga-inhabited areas remain closed.

UNC President N.G. Lorho declaring the ‘Genna’, in a statement said that in reverence to our traditions and cultural practices, the Nagas in the present state of Manipur, hereby declare a Genna on the occasion of the historic Civic Reception in honour of the living legend Muivah at Tahamzam (Senapati) on October 29. “During this ‘Genna’, we call upon all community members to declare holidays in all educational institutions, and shops shall remain closed as a mark of respect. Also refrain from all economic and commercial activities. Participate in the community gatherings and programmes to celebrate the occasion. Uphold the Naga spirit of unity and solidarity.”

Muivah arrived in the Naga-inhabited Ukhrul district in Manipur on October 22 visited his birthplace, Somdal village, for the first time in 50 years.

The NSCN-IM supremo is now staying in Somdal village and he will return to Dimapur via Manipur’s Senapati district on October 29. Muivah, the key negotiator in the Naga peace talks with the Union government since the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire in 1997.