ZUF determined to drive out NSCN-IM from Zeliangrong areas
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, September 27 2012:
While exhorting that the outfit is determined to drive out the NSCN-IM from the Zeliangrong areas, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) claimed today that some five to six NSCN-IM cadres were killed in yesterday's clashes.
It also claimed that they had over-run two NSCN-IM mess or stations at Matung village of Tamenglong district yesterday.
ZUF information and publicity cell secretary A.Dangmei informed Newmai News Network that another 6 to 7 NSCN-IM might have been injured in yesterday's clashes.
Narrating on the reason why they had attacked the NSCN-IM, ZUF leader A Dangmei said Zeliangrong people have been exploited and intimidated by the Isak-Muivah faction for so long.
"We no longer can tolerate so we have acted upon them," Dangmei said, adding, "In the name of nationalism these NSCN-IM cadres have been using the Zeliangrong people as their toys." Dangmei also alleged that the villagers of Matung have been facing hardship as the NSCN-IM cadres camping there killed pigs, goats for their consumption without paying the villagers.
"These Matung villagers were used by the NSCN-IM cadres as human shields by forcing them during the nights as watchmen," further alleged the ZUF information secretary.
Since there are many rivals of the NSCN-IM this outfit uses villagers as their guards, added A Dangmei.
He also alleged that the villagers, though it is harvest time, were not allowed to carry out their chores but forced them to work for the NSCN-IM.
"We feel sorry for the people as this thing had happened in our land but we cannot help since the presence of anti-social elements like the NSCN-IM is going to ruin our Zeliangrong society," stated A Dangmei.
"Our forefathers had sacrificed a lot for the Naga cause but the NSCN-IM still refuses to acknowledge and they continue exploiting the Zeliangrong people," continues A Dangmei adding with a firm note, "We will never retreat but to fight and drive out completely these NSCN-IM cadres from our Zeliangrong areas" .
Contrary to the ZUF's claims, Lungchaibi who is the deputy kilonser (minister) of the NSCN-IM in-charge of Zeliangrong Region had informed Newmai News Network yesterday that no one was even injured from his outfit.
"Due to the bomb explosion hurled by the ZUF/NSCN-K cadres, a goat was found killed in our camp." Lungchaibi had expressed unhappiness that the All India Radio news where it was broad cast that six NSCN-IM cadres were killed in the clashes.
"It is unfortunate that false news have been broad cast and published without being authenticated," rued the NSCN-IM leader.
According to deputy kilonser Lungchaibi, the position of the NSCN-IM was not good at the time of the attacks.