By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has denied allegations made by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) linking the outfit to the deadly ambush on Kuki civilians between Kotlen and Kotzim in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ZUF said it was “deeply shocked and concerned” over the attack on two vehicles carrying Kuki civilians, which reportedly left several people dead and others critically injured.
The outfit categorically denied any involvement in the ambush and described allegations circulating on social media and in public discourse as “completely baseless, unfounded and misleading”.
“The organisation was neither aware of nor connected in any manner with the attack,” the statement said.
Earlier in the day, Kuki Inpi Manipur had alleged that the ambush was carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and village-based insurgent groups (VBIGs). The organisation also condemned the killing of three church leaders and civilians, including Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen.
Responding to the accusations, the ZUF urged civil society organisations and media outlets not to circulate unverified information or make premature allegations without factual evidence. It warned that misinformation could further aggravate the already volatile situation in the region.
The exchange of allegations comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where civil society groups and church leaders have been attempting to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between communities.