ZUF faction derides peace pact
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 07 2023:
Over a week after the Governments of India and Manipur have entered into a Cessation of Operation (CoO) agreement with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), another faction of ZUF has claimed that the content of the agreement reflects very poorly on the 'legitimate' movement of the Zeliangrong people.
In a press release signed by the ministry of information and publicity of the front, G Nguiba Gonmei said that they strongly condemn the 'complete surrender' of arms and cadres which are 'legitimately' the common property and resources of the Zeliangrong people by Jenchui Kamei and his group as one of the preconditions to the agreement ( Cessation of Operation) signed on December 27 last.
Alleging that the manner in which Jenchui Kamei and his members gave up their so called "cause" shows their 'superficial' dedication and commitment to the long cherished movement and political aspiration of the Zeliangrong people, G Nguiba said that they were also shocked in witnessing some Zeliangrong ZCO leaders involved in the signing of the agreement.
"Cessation of Operation, which was unambiguously a 'collateral mistake' that "Zeliangrong Movement" demand in the form of State, Union Territory or Territorial Council or any other development package for the Zeliangrong people is conspicuously absent in the pact which otherwise should have been the foundation for any further talks in resolving the long legitimate struggle," he added.
Claiming that the signing of the agreement shows their lack of vision and insight, he continued that history will judge them for their actions.
Further stating that any sensible person must know the difference between
surrendering and entering into ceasefire for political dialogue, G Nguiba claimed that when any parties entered into a ceasefire they decided to abstain from engaging in hostile activities against each other and agreed to have dialogue for conflict resolution but arms and ammunition are to be deposited or given up when a final agreement is reached.
Surrendering arms and ammunition before reaching a final agreement is nothing but a complete sell-out, he claimed and alleged that Jianchui Kamei and his members have virtually given up everything by surrendering their arms and ammunition to the security forces/State authorities.
"The agreement also provides for rehabilitation and resettlement of armed cadres.
If all these provisions mentioned above did not point to the end of the road for Jianchui Kamei and his members and a complete sellout of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Zeliangrong people, what more evidence do we require," he asked.
He claimed that 27th December, 2022 will go down as a black day in the history of 'our struggle for common Zeliangrong homeland' .
Alleging that Zeliangrong people who live in Assam Manipur and Nagaland remain a minority wherever they settled and face injustice he claimed that Zeliangrong movement however covers-all Zeliangrong regions of the three States.
G Nguiba also claimed that the signing of the recent agreement wasn't participated by officials and State functionaries from Assam and Nagaland and it was ridiculous as it reduces the Zeliangrong movement to Manipur centric affairs.
The manner in which the ZCO leaders become Jianchui's "representatives" and "accomplices in such a hurriedly and secretly signed pact is pitiful and unbecoming, of their statures and experiences, he claimed.
Claiming that it nevertheless, is good as some anti-social elements have finally laid down their arms and have agreed to abjure violence and there will be no undue fear among the public and confusion on dual identity of ZUF will be cleared, he continued that they will continue to stand until the last man standing for rhe cause, of the Zeliangrong homeland.
"We will never surrender our cause nor give in to any amount of pressure from within and without", he said and assured that any major decision with regard to Zeliangrong movement will be taken only after due consultation with all stakeholders and Zeliangrong people living in Assam Manipur and Nagaland.