Imphal: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has accused the NSCN-IM of running multiple illegal checkpoints along National Highway-37 and extorting money and goods from transporters, commuters and residents. The outfit also warned of retaliatory action if the group’s alleged “anti-Zeliangrong” activities and forced recruitment of youths do not stop immediately.
The ZUF, a Naga insurgent group formed in 2011 to demand a separate Zeliangrong state, is currently under a Suspension/Cessation of Operations agreement with the Government of India and the Manipur government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ZUF alleged that the NSCN-IM and its associates have set up six to seven unauthorised checkpoints along NH-37, where they are allegedly collecting money and goods from transporters and civilians travelling on the highway.
The statement comes days after tank truck drivers using the vital Imphal-Jiribam route submitted a complaint to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, alleging widespread extortion and looting along the highway.
According to the drivers, they were forced to pay money at several locations, including Rs 500 at Awangkhul, Rs 3,500 at Kambiron, Rs 500 at Nungba, Rs 1,200 at Jiribam Parking, Rs 500 at Noney and between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000 at Oinamlong.
The ZUF alleged that the checkpoints were intentionally established to intimidate the public and create hardship for people travelling along the route.
The outfit further claimed that the NSCN-IM, in collaboration with the Kamson Group, is attempting to recruit Zeliangrong youths as volunteers for what it described as a proxy conflict with the Kuki community, alleging that such efforts are aimed at creating divisions and fear among local communities.
Declaring that it would act against what it called “anti-Zeliangrong elements” operating in Zeliangrong areas, the ZUF warned that individuals, groups or organisations supporting the NSCN-IM or the Kamson Group would face consequences.
The outfit also reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives, property, and dignity of the Zeliangrong people. It appealed to the public not to spread misinformation or provocative content on social media and urged all communities to work together to maintain peace and ensure a secure future for the region.