Kangpokpi, May 13: Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has alleged that operatives linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) carried out the deadly ambush between Kotzim and Kotlen in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district using the name “ZUF-K” or “ZUF Kamson.”
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| Armed cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) seen in an undated photograph released online. |
In a press statement issued on May 13, ZUF strongly condemned the attack that claimed the lives of three Kuki civilians, including church leaders, and left several others critically injured.
The organisation described the incident as a “barbaric ambush and brutal attack” on innocent civilians and religious leaders travelling through the area.
ZUF stated that there is only one legitimate ZUF organisation and categorically denied the existence of any faction called “ZUF Kamson.” It alleged that NSCN-IM operatives were misusing the ZUF name to mislead the public, tarnish the image of the Zeliangrong community, and incite ethnic hostility in the region.
“The inhuman and cowardly act is an unforgivable crime against humanity and a blatant violation of peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among neighbouring communities,” the statement read.
According to ZUF, the organisation had recently been engaging with village authorities, civil society groups, church leaders, women’s organisations and intellectuals in efforts to preserve peace, communal harmony and mutual understanding in Zeliangrong areas.
The group further alleged that NSCN-IM had issued directives discouraging people from participating in ZUF-led peace initiatives and accused the organisation of deliberately attempting to provoke tensions and destabilise the region.
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Condemning the targeting of unarmed civilians and church leaders, ZUF said such violence was “reprehensible, inhuman, and unacceptable under any circumstances.”
The organisation demanded that those responsible for the killings be brought to justice and appealed to all communities to maintain restraint and reject attempts to fuel ethnic hatred and communal violence.
ZUF also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed souls.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions following the deadly ambush on church leaders returning from a Christian gathering in Churachandpur, which has triggered widespread condemnation across Manipur and the Northeast.
