Newmai News Network
IMPHAL | SEPTEMBER 27
While exhorting that the outfit is determined to drive out the NSCN (IM) from the Zeliangrong areas, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) claimed today that some five to six NSCN (IM) cadres were killed in yesterday’s clashes. It also claimed that they had over-run two NSCN (IM) mess or stations at Matung village of Tamenglong district yesterday.
ZUF information and publicity cell secretary A. Dangmei informed Newmai News Network that another 6-7 NSCN (IM) cadre might have been injured in yesterday’s clashes.
Narrating the reason why they had attacked the NSCN (IM), ZUF leader A Dangmei said Zeliangrong people have been exploited and intimidated by the Isak-Muivah faction for so long. “We no longer can tolerate so we have acted upon them,” Dangmei said, adding, “In the name of nationalism these NSCN (IM) cadres have been using the Zeliangrong people as their toys.”
Dangmei also alleged that the villagers of Matung have been facing hardship as the NSCN (IM) cadres camping there killed pigs, goats for their consumption without paying the villagers. “These Matung villagers were used by the NSCN (IM) cadres as human shields by forcing them during the nights as watchmen,” further alleged the ZUF information secretary. Since there are many rivals of the NSCN (IM) this outfit uses villagers as their guards, added A Dangmei. He also alleged that the villagers, though it is harvest time, were not allowed to carry out their chores but forced them to work for the NSCN (IM).
“We feel sorry for the people as this thing had happened in our land but we cannot help since the presence of anti-social elements like the NSCN (IM) is going to ruin our Zeliangrong society,” stated A Dangmei. “Our forefathers sacrificed a lot for the Naga cause but the NSCN (IM) still refuses to acknowledge and they continue exploiting the Zeliangrong people,” continues A Dangmei adding with a firm note, “We will never retreat but to fight and drive out completely these NSCN (IM) cadres from our Zeliangrong areas.”
Contrary to the ZUF’s claims, Lungchaibi who is the deputy kilonser (minister) of the NSCN (IM) in-charge of Zeliangrong Region had informed Newmai News Network yesterday that no one was even injured from his outfit. “Due to the bomb explosion hurled by the ZUF/NSCN-K cadres, a goat was found killed in our camp.” According to deputy kilonser Lungchaibi, the position of the NSCN (IM) was not good at the time of the attacks.
