Dimapur, October 20: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has called on NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to tender an unqualified apology to the Naga people ahead of his planned visit to Somdal in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on October 22.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ZUF alleged that Muivah, now 91, has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the Naga communities, particularly the Zeliangrong, despite decades of sacrifices. The organisation accused him of ordering targeted killings of prominent leaders and orchestrating arson in villages, while benefiting from international mobility, leaving ordinary Nagas to bear the consequences of violence.
The ZUF cited earlier calls by Naga church leaders for apologies from leaders of the underground movement, highlighting that Muivah’s actions contravened the principles of the Naga National Council (NNC) and introduced a culture of mutual killings and violence learned from his ideological mentors in China. The statement described these acts as “unchristian-like” and contrary to earlier Naga traditions.
Highlighting recent tensions in Zeliangrong areas, including claims of persecution and extortion by NSCN (IM) members, the ZUF warned that continued confrontations could escalate into further clashes. It reiterated that the Zeliangrong people have pursued their political aspirations for a ‘Zeliangrong Homeland’ within the Indian Union under the leadership of Ranima Gaidinliu, efforts that, according to the group, have never been acknowledged by the NSCN (IM) leadership.
The ZUF criticised Muivah’s upcoming visit as a “desperate attempt” to revive support through what it described as misleading propaganda and warned communities to remain vigilant against hollow political manoeuvres linked to the 2015 Framework Agreement, which it claimed has failed to deliver a genuine resolution.
