IMPHAL, Feb 13 (NNN): A civilian allegedly working at the behest of the NSCN-IM was nabbed by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and detained for few days was released today on humanitarian grounds.
The civilian has been identified as one Joseph Rongmei (30), son of Kohodin Rongmei of Noney Part 5, Tamenglong district. Joseph Rongmei was nabbed from Noney Part 2 in Tamenglong district by the ZUF cadres after he was found collecting money for the NSCN-IM on February 8 at around 9 am, according to the victim.
“I was forced to collect money by the NSCN-IM. I was intimidated by the NSCN-IM cadres. Fearing for my life, I went to collect money for the outfit,” confessed Joseph Rongmei today.
Joseph Rongmei was produced before some media persons today somewhere in Nungba sub division of Tamenglong district by the ZUF cadres.
When asked by the media persons, Joseph Rongmei if he was also an active member of the NSCN-IM, Joseph Rongmei said he was not an NSCN-IM cadre. “I was forcibly directed by the NSCN-IM cadres to go to certain persons for collecting money, so I obliged them on fearing for my life,” stated Joseph Rongmei.
According to Joseph Rongmei, NSCN-IM cadres identified as one Meirikiu and one Kingping were forcing him to collect money. Both the NSCN-IM cadres are allegedly in the `finance department` of the NSCN-IM.
“We released Joseph on moral and on humanitarian ground as he was found to be a civilian,” added the ZUF leader.