Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, October 24:
A symbolic and enduring Monument of Honour dedicated to Avàkharar Thuingaleng Muivah, the Ato Kilonser of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim/ Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, was officially unveiled on Wednesday at Kasom-Luiyai Junction, Ukhrul, shortly after the historic homecoming of the revered Naga leader. The monument, an all-weather stone pillar, stands as a permanent tribute to the love, respect, and honour bestowed upon the People’s Avàkharar by the Tangkhul community of Hunphun (Ukhrul).
The unveiling ceremony was led by Eno. Wungmatem Vashum, Deputy Kilonser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, in the presence of MLA Khashim Vashum, his wife, members of Hunphun Hanga (Village Authority), pastors, leaders from Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL), Hunphun Shanao Long, Ukhrul Hunphun Executive Council (UHEC), and hundreds of well-wishers and youths.
As the ceremonial frame was opened by Qr..Wungmatem Vashum, Dy.Kilonser, the crowd erupted in applause, witnessing the unveiling of a historic symbol of gratitude and reverence toward one of the most influential figures in Naga history.
A Monument Bearing the Story of a People
The elegantly crafted stone pillar bears inscriptions on both sides — one in English and the other in the Tangkhul language — immortalizing the day of its dedication and the spirit of its purpose.
The English inscription reads:
“This Monument is erected in honour of Qr. Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser, Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, on his maiden visit to Ukhrul on 22nd October 2025. Dedicated by Ukhrul / Hunphun Hanga.”
The Tangkhul inscription beautifully translates the sentiment, expressing a message of collective pride, unity, and ancestral blessing for generations to come.
Majestically positioned at the Kasom-Luiyai Junction — a significant landmark and the main route to the western region from Ukhrul headquarters — the monument stands tall as a timeless testament to the enduring relationship between Avàkharar Th. Muivah and his people.
“Let This Monument Speak to Generations”
In his address, Dy. Kilonser Wungmatem Vashum invoked the Biblical story of Joshua, who instructed the Clan elders of Israel to gather twelve stones from the River Jordan and set them on land as a memorial for future generations.
“Those stones stood as a testimony of how God parted the waters and led His people to safety,” he said. “In the same way, this monument will testify to how God has led and protected the Naga people through the journey of struggle, faith, and endurance.”
Expressing deep gratitude to the people of Hunphun, Wungmatem said, “I thank God with all my heart for this precious moment. This monument is not just a stone — it is a witness to how Avàkharar Th. Muivah led the Naga movement with faith and courage. May it tell the coming generations that Hunphun stood firm with Avàkharar and his vision for the Naga nation.”
The Dy. Kilonser further reflected on the sacredness of memorial stones in traditional belief, noting that in ancient times, no man or beast dared destroy a border pillar, for doing so would bring misfortune. “So too, this monument shall stand untouched and respected, a living symbol of our gratitude and history,” he declared.
“A Legacy Etched in Stone”
Speaking on behalf of Hunphun Hanga, Qr. H.A. Khayaiwo, a young and dynamic headman( Hunphunwo), emphasized that the monument was erected to honour Th. Muivah’s lifelong sacrifices and his steadfast commitment to the Naga cause.
“This monument is our humble tribute to our Avàkharar for his selfless dedication to the Naga national movement and his unwavering stand for Naga sovereignty,” Khayaiwo said. “It shall stand here as a lasting reminder of his courage, his leadership, and his vision — inspiring generations to come.”
He added that the monument symbolizes the unbreakable bond between Hunphun and its most illustrious son, whose name has become synonymous with the struggle for Naga identity and freedom.
“This stone, Khayaiwo expressed solemnly, “It will tell our children and our children’s children that Hunphun once stood as one in faith, love, and honour for Avàkharar Th. Muivah.”
Faith, Memory, and Gratitude Intertwined
The unveiling ceremony was marked by prayer, song, and heartfelt emotion and blessings, dedicating the monument to God’s glory and invoking His continued guidance for the Naga people. Representatives of the Hunphun Shanao Long and Hunphun Katamnao Long offered words of tribute, reflecting on Muivah’s enduring influence and the pride his homecoming brought to the Tangkhul community.
Many elders described the monument as “a sacred stone of remembrance” — not merely a symbol of honour, but also a reminder of divine faithfulness and ancestral strength. The atmosphere was one of reverence and collective pride, as the crowd reflected on the historical and spiritual significance of the moment.
A Symbol That Will Stand the Test of Time
As the golden rays of the evening sun fell upon the newly unveiled monument, its stone surface gleamed with dignity — a symbol of unbroken faith, loyalty, and love. For the people of Hunphun/ Ukhrul and the Naga nation, the Monument of Honour stands not only as a tribute to a leader but as a living chapter in their collective story — a story of struggle, faith, and endurance under God’s providence.
As the ceremony concluded with the resounding cry of “Kuknalim!”, many bowed their heads in silent prayer, aware that this was more than just the unveiling of a monument — it was the consecration of memory itself.
And there, at Kasom-Luiyai Junction, the stone now stands — steadfast and eternal — whispering through the winds of Ukhrul:
“Here stands the memory of a people’s love — for Avàkharar Th. Muivah, their son, their leader, their symbol of hope.”
