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DIMAPUR — Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN), an apex body of Zeliangrong people in Nagaland, has appealed to both the NSCN (IM) and ZUF to refrain from confrontation but heed to the voice and interest of the people.
ZBN stated this in reaction to the recent gunfight between the NSCN (IM) and ZUF cadres in Lamdangmei village, Manipur, on December 16, where two cadres of ZUF were killed and one Sergeant Major of NSCN (IM) succumbed to his injury.
After proper query and confirmation, ZBN alleged that ZUF cadres were attacked by NSCN (IM) perpetrating in the parameter/ operation bound of ZUF. It resented that despite much appeals and requests made by CSOs and even declared to refrain from factional fight by observing a line of operational areas for both the parties in the Zeliangrong region, the NSCN (IM) bypassed and ignored the public restraining voice and carried out an offensive operation against the ZUF.
It added that the Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF), a military wing of ZUF, resorted to defensive measure against the perpetrators resulting to fierce fight between the parties.
A ZBN press release issued by its information and publicity secretary, Tingsangai John Panmei, has accused the NSCN (IM) of committing the crime of killing ZUF out of sheer greed for power over the Zeliangrong people by perpetrating beyond their bound and ignoring the voice of the people.
ZBN was disheartened to note that the NSCN (IM), who are well regarded for taking the Naga people to height of national and international recognition for their stand and struggle to gain Naga national identity, were found committing violence and violation of human rights within the Naga family.
“Such act of offensive crime against the Zeliangrong Nagas is condemned in its strongest term. No matter and however big the ideological and political differences between NSCN (IM) and ZUF, physical fighting and killing committing in today’s society is highly condemnable and should be shunned right away,” the statement read.
The ZBN has appealed to both the parties to stop confrontational stand-off position and refrain from further escalation of violence in the Naga society. It added that killing of own brethren is not a manifestation for solution.
It, therefore, urged both the parties to resolve the conflict by means of finding a peaceful diplomacy with mutual respect and recognition of each other rights and interest.
Also read: FNR appeals for restraint among warring Naga groups