IMPHAL, May 19: The tribal insurgent group Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) today expressed unhappiness over the existence of two parallel Zeliangrong apex bodies—Zeliangrong Baudi and Zeliangrong Union.
ZUF said in statement issued by its joint secretary, A Remroi that as the outfit was formed with a solemn pledge to protect the rights of the Zeliangrong, Inpui, Chiru, Kom and kin tribes as well as their lands and resources, it has been closely observing the recent developments in Zeliangrong society.
It also claimed that the Zeliangrong civil society bodies have miserably failed in various areas while appreciating their good works, saying the outfit has also been working to preserve and foster unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong.
ZUF will take up positive measures to bring the two Zeliangrong bodies under one banner, it said, adding that it expects fullest cooperation from the community in this regard.
Appealing to all concerned to desist from precipitating the already volatile situation by forming another apex body, it warned that befitting action will be taken up against those who fail to take heed of its appeal.
Citing the recent contradictory press statements from Zeliangrong civil bodies on the tribe(s) issue, ZUF said the issue is of great concern as they (Zeliangrong civil bodies) have damaged the good name of the Zeliangrong community.
It also alleged that the tribe(s) recognition issue had been pursued without proper consultation among the Zeliangrong people and the frontal organizations, while stating that the hasty decision on tribe(s) recognition issue has thrown the people into a complete confusion state.
The damage done to the community should be held responsibility by those individuals involved in the issue, ZUF reiterated, saying that the outfit appeals to all the Zeliangrong civil bodies to come forward to sort out the differences at the earliest.