The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has blamed the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur on what it described as the influence of the NSCN-IM and the policies pursued by the United Naga Council (UNC), alleging that these factors contributed to the escalation of tensions and violence in the state.
In a statement issued by its Secretary of Information and Publicity, Louis Gangmei, the ZUF claimed that the current crisis emerged from policies and actions that created a conflict situation involving Kuki and Naga armed groups operating behind village volunteers and guards. The organisation alleged that the resulting violence led to ambushes, clashes and the loss of innocent lives, causing widespread insecurity and instability.
The ZUF stated that it had consistently advocated social harmony, peaceful coexistence and stability among communities. However, it alleged that the UNC, under the influence of the NSCN-IM, proceeded with decisions without adequately considering public sentiment and concerns over safety, thereby contributing to the worsening situation.
Criticising the UNC’s handling of recent developments, the ZUF said the council’s decisions neither addressed public anger nor provided a solution to the crisis. It further alleged that the UNC justified its position by citing appeals from external organisations, neighbouring state governments and commitments from the Ministry of Home Affairs, while failing to respond to the grievances of affected families and communities.
Referring to the recent killing of six Naga civilians, the ZUF expressed anguish over the incident and alleged that the victims were subjected to extreme brutality. The organisation contended that timely intervention by the UNC and its associates could have helped prevent the escalation of violence.
The ZUF held the UNC accountable for the prevailing situation and called upon the council to take responsibility for restoring peace and normalcy. It also demanded that the UNC tender an apology to the Naga people, particularly the Zeliangrong community, for what it described as a failed policy that had resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives.
The organisation further said that the current developments had revived memories of the Naga-Kuki clashes of 1917-1919 and the 1990s, during which both communities suffered significant casualties. It appealed to the Naga public not to be influenced by what it termed the sectional authority of the NSCN-IM and the UNC.
Expressing condolences to the families of those killed, the ZUF paid tribute to the victims, including Zeliangrong individuals from Konsakhul village and Pongringlong village. The organisation said the loss of the civilians would remain a painful chapter in the community’s history and conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved families.
