ZUF accuses NSCN-IM of targeting Zeliangrong
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 30 2025:
The armed Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has strongly condemned what it described as years of targeted violence, discrimination and persecution of Zeliangrong people and cadres within the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM), while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights and identity of Zeliangrong kindred tribes.
In a statement, ZUF said that it has remained firm in its vision and mission to protect the common cause of Zeliangrong people despite facing opposition, suppression and continued challenges.
As a people's movement, the Front said it has pursued its goals with unwavering dedication, driven by "a conscious awareness of our identity and a deep love for the Zeliangrong kindred people and neighbouring communities".
The Front accused NSCN-IM of ignoring efforts for peace and instead taking advantage of ZUF's goodwill.
It cited numerous incidents where Zeliangrong youth, cadres and civilians were allegedly tortured, falsely implicated or executed without due process by NSCN-IM members and factions.
Among the cases cited were the killings of 'Captain' Alan of Phalong village, 'Captain' Akhuam of Ritiang, and Angaipou Gangmei of Dailong, as well as the death of 'private' Muanjang Pamei of Bamgaijang in 2012 and the custodial death of 'private' Chingjuan Balang alias Rejoice in 2005 .
The statement also recalled the rape and killing of Lunglailu Gangmei near the Bangladesh-Mizoram border in 2004 and the deaths of trainees at NP Battalion (Bunning) under the command of Col Standhope.
ZUF further condemned the murder of prominent Zeliangrong social activist and former Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president Athuan Abonmai in 2021, and the killing of an elderly blind civilian, Pouluathui Maringmei on suspicion of affiliation with NNC.
"Even the most helpless disabled were not spared.
His death reflects the total inhumanity faced by the Zeliangrong people," it said.
Expressing concern over the recent disappearance of NSCN-IM cadre 'Captain' Jiandai Kamei alias Thomas of Ruangdai village, the Front demand ed an immediate investigation into his whereabouts and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
"The continued silence and inaction surrounding his case, particularly from within the Zeliangrong community, sounds alarming," it stated, adding that indifference to such incidents would only deepen distrust.
ZUF alleged that Zeliangrong cadres within the NSCN-IM organisation face growing insecurity, mental and physical torture, false accusations and unjust punishments without proper investigation or transparency, leading to an atmosphere of alienation and suspicion within the group's ranks.
Criticising the ideological philosophy of NSCN-IM, the Front said that the so-called Naga socialism resembled authoritarian rule enforced by arms and majority dominance.
It warned that such tactics were creating deeper divisions within Naga society and that Zeliangrong people have borne "unbearable" burdens of discrimination and suffering.
The statement underlined that the emergence of ZUF was driven by the desire to assert the Zeliangrong people's historical and political rights and to determine their own future, both within the framework of Naga nationalism and the Indian Union.
It warned NSCN-IM that unless it withdraws from its "offensive confrontation", it may be forced to face "the drama of defensive war of confrontation within and among the Nagas".
Calling on the public to disregard provocative social media narratives, ZUF reaffirmed its principle of maintaining an equidistant understanding with other organisations, civil or military, and vowed to continue promoting peace and harmony in the region.
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