IT News
Imphal, April 4:
The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has expressed its strong support for the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) in its decision to stop paying taxes to the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN). LNC-M had reportedly issued a directive on March 28, 2025, instructing all Liangmai civil society organizations (CSOs) and villages in Manipur to cease tax payments to the GPRN. The directive was said to have been clearly stated in bold letters in the Liangmai dialect, affirming that no one should pay taxes to the GPRN and that tax collection on the roads by GPRN must be stopped.
According to sources, LNC-M’s stance was taken in response to the alleged high-handedness of the Maram-Thangal Region of NSCN-IM, which was accused of disregarding customary laws that have traditionally governed Naga society. Reports indicated that the NSCN-IM had attempted to redraw the traditional land boundaries of Maremai village in Kangpokpi District, Manipur—an ancient Liangmai settlement—without consulting the affected stakeholders, particularly the Zeliangrong people. Such actions were described as acts of arrogance, greed, and abuse of power, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society groups.
Further allegations suggested that the situation had escalated into violent transgressions, including the physical torture of villagers, abuse of power through armed threats, sexual harassment of women, desecration of religious figures, forced displacement of families, and vandalism of homes and properties.
Reports claimed that on the early morning of April 1, 2025, villagers of Maremai were suddenly awakened by gunfire as a group of NSCN-IM cadres allegedly stormed the village. The residents were reportedly threatened and ordered to leave before daybreak. Several villagers, including the village pastor, were said to have been brutally assaulted, beaten with gun butts, and subjected to verbal abuse. Consequently, the entire population of Maremai was reportedly evicted and is now taking shelter in a relief camp at Thonglang Akutpa village in Kangpokpi District.
Observers have pointed out that such acts of violence contradict the proclaimed vision of “Nagalim for Christ,” questioning the justification for driving fellow Nagas from their homes and subjecting them to suffering. Many have criticized the alleged actions as hypocritical, arguing that a cause that claims to stand for justice loses its meaning when even religious figures are not spared from violence.
