ZUF claims ‘Defensive Posture’, accuses NSCN-IM of aggression

The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has accused the NSCN-IM of carrying out sustained offensive operations against it, stating that the group has largely maintained a defensive stance since its inception.
In a press statement issued by its Information and Publicity Secretary Louis Gangmei, the ZUF alleged that the NSCN-IM has repeatedly targeted the outfit with “ulterior motives,” compelling it to respond in order to protect its interests and those of the public. The statement claimed that the group had exercised restraint in the past but was recently forced to undertake counter-offensive measures.
The ZUF further alleged that the NSCN-IM has been attempting to influence public opinion through propaganda and intimidation, and accused it of exploiting local populations. It maintained that recent actions, including an incident at Kaiphundai village, were part of what it described as a “necessary response” to such activities.
Appealing to the public, the ZUF urged villages and local communities not to provide shelter or support to NSCN-IM cadres and called for collective opposition through public protests or formal representations to authorities. It also cautioned against treating both groups as equal contributors to unrest, asserting that the conflict was initiated by the rival faction.
The statement reiterated ZUF’s claim of representing and defending the interests of the Zeliangrong people, adding that it would continue its operations in areas it considers its domain. It called on local communities to extend cooperation in what it termed efforts to safeguard their homeland.
The outfit also rejected allegations circulating on social media linking it to inaction against other militant groups, terming such claims as misinformation intended to create confusion and communal tensions. It accused its rival of attempting to instigate divisions among communities.
Reaffirming its position, the ZUF stated that it would continue to respond to any actions it considers a threat to its authority or the interests of the people, while urging the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to support peace and stability in the region.