IMPHAL March 7: The Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has appealed for peace and non violence from all concerned in the light of the recent firing between the newly floated Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and the NSCN (IM).
A press conference was held in the regard at Manipur Press Club today. Zeliangrong Baudi president Raitu Chawang told mediapersons that the recent firing between the two groups at Khoupum area of Tamenglong district on March 5 resulted in the killing of one cadre of the ZUF.
He stated that all the Zeliangrong frontal organizations including Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN),All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AMN),Zeliangrong Students Union Manipur, Zeliangrong Womens’ Society,Manipur Valley,Rongmeilu Phuam,Zeliangrong Research Forum,Zeliangrong Welfare Committee jointly appeals for peace. He stated that the Zeliangrong people are not against or in favor of any particular outfit but any form of violence initiated from any quarter will not be tolerated in Zeliangrong areas, and that the civil societies should be given sufficient time and space to take the initiatives to bring about an understanding among the conflicting parties.
The Baudi also laments that some persons have restrained the ZSU and other civil organizations from taking out a peace rally at Tamenglong and condemns the restriction. An appeal was made to the concerned authorities to desist from such actions in future.
A press handout at the meeting also states that other militant groups including Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front based at Ukhrul, Pakan Army based at Chandel and People’s Support Group based at Senapati have sprung up in other Naga areas but no actions have been initiated against them. The statement questions why the Zeliangrong people is being singled out and punitive actions taken.
The statement further states that the ZUF have clarified that they are not against any organizations but simply has an agenda for the betterment of the Zeliangrong people and in the larger interest of the Nagas. The Baudi in the statement states that there should be fair play and justice and no revolutionary group can survive by suppressing the interest of the public. The statement further charged the NSCN (IM) of taking hasty decisions and for not consulting civil societies to undertake peace initiatives.The Baudi further demands clarification from the NSCN (IM) on who ordered the untimely attack on the ZUF and those responsible for the actions should be brought to justice.
The statement further appeals to all concerned to cease unwanted violence and return to their respective camps to facilitate reconciliation . If the appeal of the Zeliangrong people is not heeded by any organization ,then the Zeliangrong people will be compelled to launch non cooperation movement against organizations operating in Zeliangrong inhabited areas,the release said.
A separate press release by Rongmei Lu Phum (RLP) secretary Aram Pamei appreciates the Kabui Mothers Association ,ZU,Widow Ministry,Rangjang Church and women,Indian army Ngarian post for their support extended to the organization in helping retrieve the deceased ZUF cadre and also to the NSCN (IM) for allowing the women to do so, the release states.
