ZUF: NSCN-IM looting natural resources of Zeliangrong
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2025: Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) chairman Jenchui Kamei has alleged that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has been looting natural resources from Zeliangrong inhabited areas under the pretext of unrealistic Naga political solution.

Addressing media persons on Wednesday, Jenchui Kamei said NSCN-IM continues to deceive the Naga people since signing of the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India around 30 years back.

"Sticking to its demand of separate constitution and flag, which will never be ceded by the Government of India, the NSCN-IM has been befooling the Naga public.

In the shadow of this unrealistic dream, leaders of the NSCN-IM continue to extort money from public," he alleged.

According to Jenchui Kamei, NSCN-IM has one battalion each in Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur but set up multiple brigades and battalions in Zeliangrong-inhabited Noney and Tamenglong districts.

Additionally, NSCN-IM is now trying to open 'Eloi Hao' battalion at Laishong village under NC Hills district in Assam inhabited by the Zeliangrong community.

He said that Hebron camp in Nagaland's Jalukie, NP battalion (Bunning camp) in Tamei and Jadonang brigade in Kekru Naga village in Noney district are all under Zeliangrong inhabited areas.

Pretending committing in upholding interest of the Zeliangrong people, NSCN-IM opened several brigades and battalions in the name of Zeliangrong leaders.

The latest battalion of NSCN-IM 'Eloi Hao' is also being named after a Zeliangrong leader, Jenchui said and further alleged the NSCN-IM of selling out natural resources to big companies by opening camps in Zeliangrong inhabited areas.

Jenchui Kamei further said that National Highway-37, Tamenglong-Mahur road and Trans Asian Railway continue to be NSCN-IM's biggest source of income after taking control.

Apart from this, NSCN-IM smuggles and sells timber from Tanki forest of Nagaland's Peren district and Chakha and Kenem of Manipur.

In between 2010-2017, the NSCN-IM also issued 'No Objection Certificate' to Jubilant Oil and Gar Private Limited for extraction of oil from Manipur's Noney and Tamenglong districts, Peren district of Nagaland and NC Hills district of Assam, he claimed.

While asserting that Zeliangrong people will continue to fight against any attempt by outsiders to occupy land in Zeliangrong inhabited areas, he appealed to the Zeliangrong public, intellectuals, politicians and religious leaders to support Zeliangrong political movement initiated by ZUF.

The press conference held at a hotel in Imphal was also attended by ZUF general secretary Aihong Riyamroi and military wing (Zeliangrong Tiger Force) commander-in-chief Nikson alias Arei Thoitak.

Notably, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Government of India and is holding peace dialogues.

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