ZUF accuses NSCN-IM of carrying out "extortion"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 18 2023: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has come out strongly against the rampant and continued "forced taxation and extortion of public wealth by NSCN (IM)" .

Claiming that the NSCN (IM) has been collecting forced taxes, carrying regular extortions and harassing the public in Zeliangrong areas particularly along the NH-37, NF Railway and byways, ZUF has instructed village authorities and villagers in the area to be cautious and refrain from sheltering NSCN (IM) group in the villages, a statement issued by Media Cell, ZUF said.

ZUF cautioned that anyone found not complying with their instruction will be held responsible for any untoward eventuality or reactive action that might arise.

Laying down their grievances, ZUF asserted that NSCN (IM)'s alleged forced taxes and extortions have hampered and caused hindrances to the business community as well as the people.

Thus, the aggrieved public had approached ZUF to intervene on their behalf.

Stating that gun and crime culture has overruled ethics of humanity and social conscience in society, ZUF further shared that villagers had been sheltering NSCN (IM) cadres either under compulsion or direct threats.

"A society that is ruled by terror or threats of superior hand over its citizens can never prosper or sustain peaceful and conducive growth", ZUF pointed out.

At this juncture, the Front has informed that it will not withhold its actions against the NSCN (IM) perpetrators as information had been served to the group to refrain from infiltrating into Zeliangrong areas many times before.

ZUF also recalled that CSOs of the region had made a general declaration on July 31 at Khoupum at the time when three NSCN (IM) cadres were released unharmed by leaders and relatives of CSOs.

The general declaration had instructed NSCN (IM) to remain within their respective designated camps and stop taxation or extortion or any undue interference from any quarter along the NH-37 and NF Railway which falls under "Zeliangrong Homeland" .

The Front has appealed to the public to cooperate as ZUF continues to exercise its "defensive operation" and "clearing the society of all evil designs that threatens the peace and social security in the land" .

Comment