UKHRUL: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) said it has intensified its campaign against illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking, and what it described as unlawful encroachment by illegal immigrants within the ancestral and customary lands of the Zeliangrong Naga people.
In a press communiqué issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity on January 26, the ZUF said enforcement action was carried out on January 12 and 15 in the Waphong area of the Songnung Sadar Hills under Kangpokpi district, Manipur. The action reportedly involved the burning of farmhouses, farms, and the dismantling of other materials allegedly linked to illegal poppy cultivation and unauthorised structures.
The ZUF further stated that the action followed repeated public alerts and what it termed sufficient time granted for peaceful compliance. It alleged that those involved had deliberately ignored the will of the indigenous people and continued illegal activities that, according to the group, pose a serious threat to public safety, indigenous land rights, and the future of the region.
Reiterating its stand, the ZUF declared that no foreign or illegal settlers would be permitted to exploit, occupy, or degrade ancestral land of the Zeliangrong Naga people under any pretext. The organisation said it remains firm in its resolve to eliminate illegal poppy cultivation and narcotics networks, and to remove unauthorised settlements from indigenous land.
“The defence of our land, identity and future is non-negotiable,” the communiqué stated. Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM said the “incident of arson that took place in K. Songlung village in Kangpokpi district and as claimed by ZUF (Kamson) has been in the social media platforms. What is regretted is the dragging the name of NSCN in the incident. This is unfounded and malicious allegations. In no manner whatsoever we are connected with ZUF (Kamson) for this kind of operation against poppy cultivation.”