Bodies decry IM-ZUF shootout, Govt inaction
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 29 2024: Zeliangrong Civ il Organisations (ZCOs) comprising Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front, and Zeliangrong Students' Union, as well as Inpui organisations have expressed grave concern over the armed clash between the cadres of NSCN (IM) and ZUF on Thursday at Shangji village under Nung-ba sub-division.

The clash has disrupted the peaceful atmosphere of the region, especially with the festive season approaching, said the ZCOs in a statement.

Asserting that frequent armed confrontations between cadres of the NSCN (IM) and ZUF in the past dampened the festive spirit of the Zeliangrong people, the bodies noted that such incidents often led to loss of precious lives without any reasonable cause other than asserting supremacy and area domination.

The statement related that Zeliangrong people in particular, and Nagas in general, had anticipated peace, following the signing of ceasefire agreements by Naga political groups aimed at facilitating dialogue and pave the way for a political solution.

However, the repeated armed confrontations despite the ceasefire agreements have shattered the hopes and dreams of the people, the ZCOs pointed out.

The bodies also questioned the efficacy of the ceasefire agreements, stating that these seem to hold little meaning in light of the ongoing clashes and accused the government of India turning a blind eye to the frequent confrontations between armed groups, particularly in Zeliangrong areas.

Questioning whether the government has devised a sinister design to sow seeds of distrust among the Naga brethren under the guise of ceasefire agreements, the statement held the government of India accountable and demanded that it bear full responsibility for the loss of lives from different groups during the ongoing political talks.

The ZCOs attributed the loss of precious lives to the insincerity and negligence on the part of the Government of India.

Appealing to all political groups to honour their commitments and decisions to usher peace in the region, the ZCOs urged them to respect the sentiments of the people.

The statement cau tioned that people's support and cooperation, extended so far with the hope of achieving a logical political solution, might fade away if frequent armed confrontations between the groups persist.

The organisations also appealed to the government of India to monitor the overall situation to prevent further armed clashes and loss of lives, and to genuinely pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, Inpui Naga Union (INU), All Inpui Students' Union (AISU) and Inpui Naga Womens Union (INWU) also strongly condemned the gunfight be tween NSCN-IM and ZUF cadres on November 28 at Sangji village.

"This violent incident is a stark reminder of the need for unity and understanding among our Naga brothers.

The Naga community has long yearned for peace, stability, and harmonious coexistence.

Internal conflicts and armed confrontations not only disrupt this aspiration but also inflict unnecessary suffering on our people.

Such actions show discord and erode the trust and uni -ty essential for building a stronger and more peaceful Naga society," said the Inpui Naga bodies in a joint statement issued on Friday.

Expressing grave concern that "brothers who share a common heritage and vision for our people's future resort to violence against each other", the bodies reminded that such fratricidal conflict benefits no one but serves to hinder the larger goals of peace and development for the communities.

The INU, AISU and INWU emphasised the need for a collective effort to prevent similar incidents in the future, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the shared vision of peace and harmony.

They expressed solidarity with the affected community and urged all parties to prioritise the well-being and peaceful coexistence of the Naga people as a paramount concern.

While appealing for a collective effort to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that our shared vision of peace and harmony is not compromised, the INU, AISU and INWU said that they stand in solidarity with the affected community and appealed to all parties to prioritise the welfare and peaceful coexistence of the Naga people above all else.

Together, we can overcome our differences and build a future grounded in mutual respect and unity.

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