Zeliangrong United Front demands apology from Thuingaleng Muivah ahead of Somdal visit

DIMAPUR — 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 proposed visit to his native village, Somdal in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on October 22.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the ZUF claimed that Muivah, now 91, has failed to deliver on the aspirations of the Naga people, despite decades of sacrifice by communities, particularly the Zeliangrong.

The organisation accused Muivah of personally ordering targeted killings of prominent leaders and orchestrating arson in villages, while enjoying international mobility, leaving ordinary Nagas to bear the brunt of violence.

“A few years back a noted and renowned Naga church leader had proposed the idea of apology from the stalwarts of the underground movement as well as from others if necessary for a general acknowledgement of past mistakes and repentance. In fact, it is a common knowledge of Nagas that Thuingaleng Muivah needs to apologise for going against the institution of the Naga National Council (NNC) by forming the National discriminate killing culture of the communists.

“The phenomenon was learned by Muivah from his gurus and ideological masters in China. Moreover, all these were so much unchristian-like happenings. Bloodshed had no place in earlier Naga life even as the ‘freedom movement’ was started way back. NNC cadres and other Naga soldiers fought Indian army and other adversaries but the culture of mutual killings and annihilation came from Muivah and his gang,” the statement read.

The ZUF highlighted recent tensions in Zeliangrong areas, including allegations of persecution and extortion by NSCN (IM) members, and warned that continued confrontations could spark further clashes.

The ZUF reminded that the Zeliangrong people have pursued their own political aspirations for a ‘Zeliangrong Homeland’ within the Indian Union under the leadership of Ranima Gaidinliu.

It stated these efforts have never been appreciated by NSCN (IM) leadership, and that Muivah’s visit amounts to a “desperate attempt” to revive support through misleading propaganda.

The ZUF asserted that its members remain committed to their long-standing political goals and warned communities to remain vigilant against what it described as “hollow political propaganda” linked to the 2015 Framework Agreement, which the ZUF said has failed to deliver a genuine solution.