ZNCM, ZSUM, NSF bemoan IM-ZUF hostility
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 19 2023:
Zeme Naga Council Manipur (ZNCM), an apex body of Zeme tribe, has expressed strong resentment over the fratricidal killings between NSCN-IM and ZUF (Jenchui) since the past few days.
In a release, Council president Apung Daime said that many warnings had been issued in the past by Zeliangrong organisations to all the armed groups to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region.
However, the shootout at Lamdangmei village, Noney district on December 17 that claimed three precious Naga lives is strongly condemnable and regrettable, he said.
"Zeme Naga Council appeals to both groups to desist from all kinds of confrontation but to usher towards peace and understanding," said the release.
The Council also condoled losses suffered by the victims' families and extended solidarity in their hour of crisis.
Expressing anguish over the recent bloody 'gun fight' between NSCN-IM and ZUF in Noney district, Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) appealed for peace and unity across the Naga homeland.
In a release, ZSUM deplored continuous hostility and prejudice among Naga communities.
As the violence between NSCN & ZUF has the potential to derail the political talk with the government of India it is the time to swallow the grudge that exists between the two, it stressed while lamenting that Naga people are made the victims and forced to live under perpetual insecurity in their own land.
The union also called for promoting peace and harmony especially in view of the approaching Christmas and New Year, to enable the Naga citizens celebrate without any disturbances, mentally and physically.
Reiterating its commitment to combat and confront the poisonous ideologies which are attempting to entrench divisiveness in Zeliangrong and Naga society, the Union reaffirmed its stand for peace and appealed for bringing un-derstanding among the Naga people, the Zeliangrong in particular.
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) also expressed concern and condemnation over the recent gunfight in Noney district involving cadres from ZUF and NSCN-IM.
The incident, which resulted in the loss of three lives, marks the second clash within a fortnight between these groups in the same district.
A press release from the NSF said that such acts "jeopardise the fabric of Naga brotherhood and threaten the hard-earned peace and stability in the Naga homeland".
"The gunfight which occurred in the forest area near Lamdangmei village under Khoupum police station of Noney district around 6:30 am on Sunday, has once again escalated fears and created a sense of insecurity among the innocent public.
As the festive season approaches, the NSF is deeply troubled by the persistence of such incidents, urging all stakeholders to consider the broader impact on the community," it stated.
It emphasised that the "Naga homeland's prosperity should not be held hostage by individuals with vested interests and extremist ideologies".
The NSF appealed for peace and unity across the Naga homeland, emphasising the need for stakeholders to be cognizant of the unfolding situation.
It called for better sense to prevail, advocating for respect for each other's history and basic human rights and urged for collective effort to thrive in harmony and peaceful co-existence.
The federation called upon all Naga political groups to respect the existence of each entity, prioritise dialogue, understanding, and the well-being of the community during these crucial times.
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