ZUF points finger of accusation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2026: Following the brutal ambush on a team of Thadou Church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen villages today which claimed three lives, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has accused the NSCN (IM) of perpetrating the act in the name of "ZUF Kamson" .

ZUF has cautioned the NSCN (IM) to immediately desist from "exploiting the name of ZUF for their ulterior motives and to stop spreading terror and ethnic animosity in the region" .

Condemning the "inhumane and cowardly" attack, a press release issued by Louis Gangmei, secretary, Information & Publicity, ZUF, has clarified that there is only one legitimate ZUF .

There exists no such faction as "ZUF Kamson" or any other "fabricated nomenclature being maliciously used by NSCN (IM) to mislead the public and tarnish the hard-earned image and integrity of the Zeliangrong people", declared the statement.

ZUF said such "deceptive and disgraceful acts" are nothing but a calculated conspiracy to instigate ethnic hostility, sow discord, and destabilize the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Zeliangrong areas.

It accused NSCN (IM) of acting in a completely provocative manner while the ZUF was actively inviting village authorities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Church leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and intellectuals for a crucial meeting aimed at preserving peace, harmony, coexistence, and communal understanding in the Zeliangrong region.

Referring to orders issued by the "so-called NSCN (IM)" on May 2, 2026 and May 4, 2026, the press note claimed the orders directed people to abstain from and disregard the invitation extended by ZUF .

According to ZUF, such directives were nothing less than direct intimidation, deliberate provocation, and "a calculated preparation to wage hostility against the Kuki community", ultimately culminating in today's tragic and heinous attack.

It said that Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has consistently upheld peace, communal harmony, coexistence, and mutual understanding among all neighbouring communities.

However, the "continued filthy games and provocative tactics of NSCN-IM against the Zeliangrong-Inpui people can no longer be tolerated" .

Denouncing the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly religious leaders and unarmed public commuters, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has demanded full accountability for "this merciless massacre" .

It has extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls.

At this critical juncture, the press release has appealed to all communities to maintain restraint, uphold peace, and reject every attempt aimed at inciting ethnic hatred and communal violence.

Meanwhile, another press release issued by the Ministry of Information & Publicity, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) (HQ: Dilung) has also categorically denied any involvement in the ambush.

The allegation and suspicion being circulated in certain sections of the public and social media by the Kuki Inpi, Manipur linking the ZUF to the incident are completely baseless, unfounded and misleading.

The organization was neither aware of nor connected in any manner with the attack, said the press release.

It has appealed to civil society organizations and media fraternity to refrain from spreading unverified information or making premature accusations without factual evidence.

Such misinformation may unnecessarily inflame "the already sensitive situation", noted the statement.

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