"Muivah’s proposed visit to Somdal is a deceptive attempt to rekindle the lost spirit of Naga Nationalism," says Zeliangrong United Front
In a strongly worded statement, the ZUF has maintained that NSCN-IM general secretary during his visit to Somdal on October 22
... "should tender an unqualified apology to Nagas for all the lapses committed over the years".
(((... "after years of sacrifice by Nagas especially Zeliangrong people; what we have is empty hands". )))
The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) is an insurgent group, primarily based in Manipur, that advocates for a separate state for the Zeliangrong Naga tribes. In December 2022, the ZUF signed a Cessation of Operations (CoO) agreement with the government of India and the government of Manipur, pledging to end violence and participate in the democratic process.
The statement issued by Louis Gangmei, Secretary, Information & Publicity, stated among others things that --
"the NSCN-IM has already established camps in Zeliangrong areas to control territory, raise extortions, and impose illegal taxes on National Highway and Trans-Asians railways".
It stated: "The ZUF is committed to work for our people. We will decide our future course of action till we achieve our long drawn cherished political aspiration. In recent past, several members from various NSCN factions have joined ZUF.
This shows while NSCN-IM gangs are losing ground and support base the ZUF will continue the struggle and its sacred journey braving all hurdles and challenges. The Oct 22 visit will be Muivah's first visit in five decades to his hamlet Somdal - where he was born.
Muivah left his village and joined the underground movement unable to reach the village again. In 2010, his proposed visit was cancelled after Meities and other Congress leaders headed by the then CM O Ibobi Singh had played up the parochial card and linked the visit to attempts to disintegrate the state of Manipur.
The ZUF statement from Louis Gangmei, Secretary, Information & Publicity, also said that the proposed visit of Muivah has made the, "raise same fundamental questions".
"Why glorify an individual who has failed Nagas on all fronts? Not only those of us who have tracked Naga matters, “freedom movement” and even others know how Mr. Muivah has been personally responsible for targeting many individuals.
He ordered merciless killings of many prominent leaders in the name of Naga nationalism and sovereignty. He ordered arson in villages in the name of taxation or fighting the Indian army and it was all the common Nagas who made the sacrifices. All these things were happening when Muivah, and his close associate were hopping from one international destination to another".
"So as Muivah visits Somdal on October 22nd our point is he should tender an unqualified apology to Nagas for all the lapses committed over the years.
"May we also point out that such demand (s) have not come for the first time. 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 Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)on January 31,1980.
"The formation of NSCN brought in the 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," the ZUF alleged.
The ZUF also made a blistering attack:
"What makes sense and merits about such a visit is a baffling for us. Born on March 3rd,1934; Muivah is now 91 years old.
He had left his village decades back on a mission. He showed dreams to the Naga people. The dreams were grand. It is about freedom-the most cherished and most desired wish of humans.
But today after years of sacrifice by Nagas especially Zeliangrong people what we have is empty hands.
Thuingaleng Muivah is also visiting his native village and some parts of Naga areas like Senapati ‘empty handed.’
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