SENAPATI, OCT 29 (NNN): Similar to the reception programme organised at Ukhrul on October 22, tens of thousands of people from different parts of Manipur attended the ‘civic reception’ for NSCN-IM general secretary Th. Muivah at Senapati town, about 60 km north of Imphal today. The event was organised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and hosted by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO).

A Pawan Hans chopper carrying Th. Muivah took off from Somdal, the native village of the NSCN-IM leader, and landed at Senapati at around 10:30 am where he was warmly accorded by tens of thousands of people holding blue and rainbow flags.

In honour of Th. Muivah, and as directed by the UNC a few days ago, all forms of activities were halted for the day. All private educational institutions also remained closed today under the jurisdiction of the UNC. Programmes such as sports events, meetings and other activities were also halted or postponed today in honour of the NSCN-IM leader.

Former UNC president moderated today’s ‘civic reception’ programme at Senapati public ground where scores of NSCN-IM leaders including deputy general secretary of the NSCN-IM, VS Atem, top leaders from the NSCN-IM including RH. Raising, army chief of the NSCN-IM, Anthony Shimray, former UNC presidents, Naga student leaders, representatives from Global Naga Forum (GNF) and NPMHR, Naga Women Union (NWU) leaders, Naga tribe presidents and non-Naga community leaders shared the dais with Th. Muivah. On behalf of their respective tribes, each Naga tribe president under the UNC presented gifts to Th. Muivah.

Features of the programmes included presentation of songs from various choirs in traditional attires.

Th. Muivah read out a brief message while his comprehensive message was read out by his deputy VS Atem.

The programme was moderated by former UNC president L Adani. Later, Th. Muivah left for Dimapur by the same chopper.