Mokokchung, 8 August (MTNews): The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has through an official communication from its Ministry of Information & Publicity revealed its forthcoming political discussions with the Government of India. This follows the Cessation of Operation agreement signed between the GOI and ZUF on 27 December 2022 in New Delhi. The announcement sheds light on the subsequent phase of dialogue, scheduled for 11 August 2023.
The MIP of ZUF clarified that the initiation of political talks, aimed at resolving people-centric issues, has been a collaborative endeavor involving official talk team leaders. This initiative has been undertaken on behalf of and in the interest of all concerned sections of the population, it said.
In light of these developments, the ZUF has appealed to all Zeliangrong kindred communities, along with all denominations of Churches, Heraka, Tingkaoh Ragwang Chapriak, Pupou Chapriak, civil society organizations, and the general public to invoke prayers for divine blessings and guidance, seeking divine intervention for the betterment of their people.
“We believe that the spirit of truth, love, and humane compassion can touch the hearts of individuals with wisdom to discern and promote understanding, recognize necessity, and prompt rightful actions,” the statement noted. The ZUF emphasized that the moral and wholehearted prayer support of their community holds the potential to greatly benefit both India and their own people.
The statement further expressed the anticipation that the unified efforts of the people, marked by common understanding, mutual cooperation, and moral support, will bring about substantial and historical change. As the ZUF embarks on this endeavor, they remain hopeful that their collective unity will make a profound impact on the forthcoming discussions, fostering progress and positive transformation.
It may be noted that Zeliangrong United Front was established in 2011 and is actively operating in Manipur. The ZUF aims to safeguard the interests of Zeliangrong Naga tribes in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. Its objective is to create a ‘Zeliangrong state’ within the Indian Union, covering the Zeliangrong Naga tribes’ areas in the three northeastern states.
The ZUF signed the ‘Cessation of Operation Agreement’ with the Central Government in December 2022. Under this agreement, the group agreed to give up violence and join the democratic process. This peace agreement provides for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the armed cadres belonging to the ZUF.