Edited by Lulun Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 13, 2026
The Zeliangrong United Front on Tuesday disowned the deadly ambush between Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district and accused NSCN-IM of killing three Kuki civilians, including church leaders. In a press statement from Dilung, the ZUF called the May 13 attack a “barbaric ambush” and an “unforgivable crime against humanity.”
The ZUF categorically denied any link to the attack, stating there is only one legitimate ZUF and no faction called “ZUF Kamson” exists. The statement, signed by Secretary of Information & Publicity Louis Gangmei, alleged NSCN-IM is maliciously using the fabricated name to mislead the public and tarnish the Zeliangrong people’s image. It called the act a calculated conspiracy to instigate ethnic hostility.
According to the ZUF, the ambush occurred while it was inviting village authorities, CSOs, church leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and intellectuals for a peace meeting in the Zeliangrong region. The group said NSCN-IM issued orders on May 2 and May 4 directing people to disregard ZUF’s invitation, which it described as intimidation and deliberate provocation against the Kuki community.
The ZUF said targeting religious leaders and unarmed civilians is “savagery” deserving condemnation from every civilized society. It termed the bloodshed for political manipulation “utterly reprehensible and inhuman,” demanding that those responsible be held accountable before the law and humanity.
Reaffirming its stand on communal harmony, the ZUF said it has consistently upheld peace and mutual understanding among neighbouring communities. It warned that NSCN-IM’s “filthy games and provocative tactics” against the Zeliangrong-Inpui people will no longer be tolerated, and cautioned the group to stop exploiting the ZUF name.
The ZUF extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls. It appealed to all communities to maintain restraint, uphold peace, and reject attempts to incite ethnic hatred and communal violence.
The release, Ref. No. ZUF/F-75/26, counters claims by Kuki Inpi Manipur that linked a “ZUF-Kamson faction” to the killings. The ZUF maintained it had no involvement and held NSCN-IM responsible for both the attack and the misuse of its name.
Disclaimer: This report contains allegations and statements issued by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). Claims regarding responsibility for the Kangpokpi ambush remain contested and subject to official investigation.
