Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has accused the NSCN-IM of operating illegal checkpoints and extorting commuters along National Highway-37. The group claims these stations are hubs for looting. They demand an immediate stop to these practices.
Louis Gangmei, ZUF Secretary of Information and Publicity, released a statement Wednesday detailing the allegations. He claims the NSCN-IM, working with the Kamson group, has set up six to seven unauthorized stops. The ZUF alleges these cadres force transporters and civilians to hand over cash and goods to fuel the NSCN-IM expansionist agenda.
Tank truck drivers recently reported the scale of the shakedowns to Manipur official Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Drivers documented specific demands: Rs 500 at Awangkhul and Nungba, Rs 3,500 at Kambiron, Rs 1,200 at Jiribam Parking, Rs 500 at Noney, and payments ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 at Oinamlong.
The ZUF also accused the NSCN-IM of recruiting Zeliangrong youths as volunteers. They claim this is a push to start a proxy conflict with Kuki groups. The move is designed to create fear and division. ZUF leadership stated they will "flush out" these anti-Zeliangrong elements operating in the region. They warned that anyone collaborating with the NSCN-IM or the Kamson group will face consequences.
Formed in 2011 to seek a separate Zeliangrong state, the ZUF currently operates under a ceasefire agreement with the Indian and Manipur governments. The group appealed to the public to ignore social media rumors. They reiterated their commitment to protecting the dignity and property of the Zeliangrong people while calling for regional stability.
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