SENAPATI, Nov 7: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has announced its warm welcome to several Naga patriots of Zeliangrong origin who have joined its ranks, calling their decision a courageous and exemplary move toward unity and the realization of a shared homeland.

In a press release, the ZUF expressed its delight at the joining of Zeliangrong cadres and leaders from various Naga factions, describing it as a “heartwarming welcome” and a long-anticipated development. The organization emphasized that it has long envisioned the unification of all Zeliangrong people under a single revolutionary entity that would represent their common cause.

The ZUF reaffirmed its ideological foundation, stating that it was established on the principles of the Zeliangrong Peoples’ Movement (ZPC movement), which it described as having been carried forward alongside India’s freedom struggle. The group added that it continues to advance this movement, now engaging in peace talks with the Government of India for a final settlement.

“The Zeliangrong United Front continues to carry this movement forward, now engaging in talks with the Government of India for a final settlement,” the release stated. The ZUF stressed that the Zeliangrong people have come to realize that their fight for an independent homeland must take precedence over broader Naga nationalism.

“It is high time that the right approach and united move should be organized, striving together for an early settlement of the long-drawn political issues now at the table of India,” the ZUF added.

The Front also hailed the decision of several members from the NSCN-IM and NSCN-U to join the ZUF, calling it an “exemplary move” and a “turning point” in the contemporary political landscape. The group identified the homecomers as:

1. Major Alex Haihing (NSCN-U)
2. Sergeant Major Gaisingduan Dangmei (NSCN-U)
3. Captain Jangkulung Gangmei (NSCN-IM)
4. Captain Meihuandai Kamei (NSCN-IM)
5. Section Officer Namjuanang Pame (NSCN-IM)
6. Khapur Jacob Malangmei (NSCN-IM)
7. Corporal Mayanglung Gangmei (NSCN-IM)

“These brave patriots have taken an exemplary decision and shown true courage by making a decisive joining with the Zeliangrong United Front,” the ZUF statement noted. The Front highlighted that the personal testimonies of these individuals “testify to their true heart of love for our homeland.”

In closing, the ZUF extended a “wide-open welcoming arm of reception” to the new members, expressing gratitude to God for His “intervening hand upon our people, in His own time, for our best.”