ZUF backs LNC's stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2025: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has pledged its support to the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M), in their refusal to pay taxes to the NSCN (IM) .

In a statement signed by its secretary of information and publicity Louis Gangmei, ZUF said that the bold step of LNC-M is not without reason.

Claiming that NSCN (IM) has been exploiting the Zeliangrong people and their land for decades under the guise of fighting for Naga Nationalism, it added that Zeliangrong people will not tolerate manipulation and exploitation anymore.

ZUF also said that any attempt to distort, subjugate or infringe upon their land and people will be met with unwavering resistance.

Meanwhile, the Front accused the NSCN (IM) of taking the law into their own hands and disregarding Naga customary law in the Maram-Thangal region.

Specifically, ZUF criticized NSCN (IM)'s alleged attempts to redraw the boundaries of Maremei village in Kangpokpi on April 1 without consulting the Zeliangrong people, calling it an arrogant abuse of power.

The Front alleged that some NSCN (IM) cadres threatened the villagers of Maremei to vacate their villages before daybreak on April 1 .

Claiming that the villagers including the Pastor were also subjected to severe physical assault, it added that entire Maremei villagers are now taking refuge in a relief camp at Thonglang Akutpa village in Kangpokpi.

The ZUF expressed solidarity with the Maremei villagers and thanked the Thonglang villagers for providing them shelter.It asked if the act of brutal displacement and driving out fellow Nagas from their homes bring satisfaction to the NSCN (IM) .

Asking who granted the NSCN (IM) cadres the authority to commit such 'flagrant' violations of human dignity and justice, ZUF added that to even consider them as Naga National workers is an insult to the very ideals they claim to uphold.

Claiming that NSCN (IM) treat the Zeliangrong people with contempt denying their history, land, identity and dignity, ZUF contended that Zeliangrong kindred, like other tribes, has a rich and proud legacy, an unshakable identity, and an ancestral land that cannot be challenged or erased.

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