Imphal: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) S Kamson group, a Naga armed outfit demanding a separate administrative unit for Zeliangrong tribes (Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei) across Manipur, Nagaland and Assam, issued a warning to the Kuki people on Thursday.
The Ministry of Information and Publicity of the ZUF said in a statement that the warning followed an operation against Kuki underground outfits, during which a gun battle occurred at around 7.40 am on Thursday at Kharam Vaiphei village in Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi district, Manipur. During the operation carried out by the Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF), the armed wing of the ZUF, at least two to three Kuki cadres were believed to have been seriously injured. The statement added that ZTF cadres returned safely to their camp.
The statement further said the action was compelled by concerns over the submission of a topographical map in support of a demand for separate administration, alleged illicit poppy cultivation along German Road and Tiger Road, the establishment of unauthorised camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, and other unlawful activities within Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory.
The ZUF clarified that it does not oppose the legitimate aspirations of the Kuki people within their recognised native land but asserted that no Kuki land exists within Zeliangrong Inpui ancestral territory.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect its people, land and property, the ZUF warned that any form of encroachment would not be tolerated. It directed those allegedly occupying the areas unlawfully to vacate immediately to avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, confirmed the gunfight, stating that an armed attack was reported early Thursday morning at Kharam Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village on the outskirts of Kangpokpi district. In a statement, CoTU alleged that the attackers used bombs and firearms, including what it described as sophisticated weapons.
The statement also alleged the involvement of a group identifying itself as the ZUF and accused it of operating under the patronage of valley-based insurgent organisations.