ZUF reacts to allegations levelled by NSCN (Niki-Sumi)
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2022: Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Tuesday responded to a recent news report wherein NSCN (Niki-Sumi) questioned the front on Naga territorial jurisdiction issue.

In a release, ZUF maintained that the tetm 'Nagas of Nagaland' used by some Nagaland natives and even by NNPGs of Nagaland is sufficient proof that the accusation levelled against ZUF by NSCN (Niki-Sumi) is contradictory.

While accusing NNPGs or UG factions in Nagaland of "practising divisional regions and jurisdiction of operation of activities for the purpose of collection of taxes and extortion with strict vigilance on infiltrators of the other UG groups in their respective regions," ZUF said that NSCN (Niki Sumi) has no right to question the former for exercising its own right over its land and people.

Saying that NSCN (Niki Sumi)'s accusation of ZUF dividing "Nagas' lands with jurisdictional divisions..." reeks of Indian policy of divide and rule, the Front alleged that "the said article is ostensibly an attempt to justify themselves of the malicious attitude and actions practiced and being played towards not only to the Zeliangrong Nagas but also the whole Naga people.

"It is the right of ZUF or any responsible person or government to question or oppose any Naga fac-tion/group or any non-Naga party or unscrupulous persons exploiting or extorting the wealth of the people.

The people will naturally oppose any group/persons attempting to extend and apply their policy or supremacy in any Naga or other areas in the pretext and name of Naga national movement without the concerned authority and people of that part of the land," ZUF asserted.

The Front then advised "NSCN (Niki Sumi) group to take care of its cadres who are going about extorting and kidnapping workers, leaders of companies along the highway and railways for ransom money without a regard shown to the concerned villages, areas authorities and the concerned people" .

It then said, "The Zeliangrong people too as a Naga people having common Nagas' aspiration have been no lesser contributor to the Naga national movement and cause since its inception and is all out for inclusive and early settlement of the long-delayed Nagas' issues.

However, the Zeliangrong people too have a simultaneous movement of their own, alongside the Nagas' struggle since colonial period to the time of flourishing NNC and to this day under socialist pattern and system of Naga government" .

ZUF termed as provocative NSCN (Niki Sumi)'s statement that "ZUF is challenging the wishes and aspiration of the Naga people...and is subtly inclined towards the divisive policy of the adversaries that have created artificial boundary demarcation which geographically and physically divide our people; adamantly making attempts to disintegrate our people and lands".

It clarified that the Front never opposes or schemes against the Naga people's aspiration at any point of time or manner, rather it supports the common Nagas' political talk for early, inclusive and acceptable solution and settlement.

ZUF then asserted that "the demand for Zeliangrong Homeland remains an infallible historical fortitude under all circumstances.

ZUF and its legitimate demand shall neither succumb nor surrender its movement to the present Nagas' approach.

Further affirms that, the Zeliangrong peoples' political assertion for securing their homeland, be it under union of India or aftermath Nagas' settlement shall be determined".

"Therefore, ZUF succinctly clarifies and reasserts that, every Naga has the right and responsibility to defend and protect their inhabited land.

That no unscrupulous or self-claimed national worker(s) shall be allowed to go free and unchecked in all Zeliangrong inhabited areas.

Hence, the ZUF's press statement is intentionally published to inform and sensitize the Naga people in general to value and uphold the rights of protecting every respective Naga inhabited land which is the core foundational basis of the Nagas' politics and struggle," it added.

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