Zeliangrong Group Accuses NSCN-IM of Sustained Violence and Discrimination

Imphal, July 30, 2025 – The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), an armed organization, has issued a strong condemnation of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM), accusing it of years of targeted violence, discrimination, and persecution against the Zeliangrong people and their cadres within the NSCN-IM ranks. The ZUF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and identity of the Zeliangrong kindred tribes.

In a public statement, the ZUF asserted its unwavering dedication to the Zeliangrong people's cause, despite persistent opposition and challenges. Describing itself as a people's movement driven by a deep sense of identity and love for its communities, the Front claimed that NSCN-IM has disregarded peace efforts, exploiting ZUF's goodwill.

The ZUF detailed numerous alleged incidents where NSCN-IM members or factions purportedly tortured, falsely implicated, or executed Zeliangrong youth, cadres, and civilians without due process. Specific cases cited include:

• The killings of 'Captain' Alan of Phalong village, 'Captain' Akhuam of Ritiang, and Angaipou Gangmei of Dailong.

• The death of 'private' Muanjang Pamei of Bamgaijang in 2012.

• The custodial death of 'private' Chingjuan Balang alias Rejoice in 2005.

• The 2004 rape and killing of Lunglailu Gangmei near the Bangladesh-Mizoram border.

• Deaths of trainees at NP Battalion (Bunning) under the command of Col Standhope.

• The 2021 murder of prominent Zeliangrong social activist and former Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president Athuan Abonmai.

• The killing of an elderly blind civilian, Pouluathui Maringmei, on suspicion of affiliation with NNC, which the ZUF described as an act of "total inhumanity."

Expressing grave concern over the recent disappearance of NSCN-IM cadre 'Captain' Jiandai Kamei alias Thomas of Ruangdai village, the ZUF demanded an immediate investigation into his whereabouts and called for accountability for those responsible. The Front criticized the perceived "continued silence and inaction" from within the Zeliangrong community regarding such incidents, warning that indifference would only foster deeper distrust.

The ZUF further alleged that Zeliangrong cadres within NSCN-IM face increasing insecurity, mental and physical torture, false accusations, and unjust punishments without proper investigation or transparency. This, they claimed, creates an atmosphere of alienation and suspicion within the group.

The Front also criticized NSCN-IM's "Naga socialism" philosophy, describing it as resembling authoritarian rule enforced by force and majority dominance. They warned that these tactics are creating profound divisions within Naga society, with Zeliangrong people bearing an "unbearable" burden of discrimination and suffering.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the ZUF emerged from a desire to assert the Zeliangrong people's historical and political rights and to determine their own future, both within the framework of Naga nationalism and the Indian Union. The ZUF warned NSCN-IM that continued "offensive confrontation" could lead to "defensive war of confrontation within and among the Nagas."

Finally, the ZUF urged the public to disregard provocative social media narratives and reiterated its commitment to maintaining an equidistant understanding with all organizations, whether civil or military, while striving for peace and harmony in the region.

Source: E-pao

14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2025

The Zeliangrong people, indigenous to the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, are set to commemorate the enduring legacy of their revered spiritual and political leader, Haipou Jadonang, through the 14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2025.¹ This annual event, organized by the Zeliangrong Football Association (ZFA), transcends mere sport, serving as a powerful symbol of unity, cultural pride, and collective remembrance for the Zeliangrong community spread across these three states.²

The tournament is slated to kick off on October 11, 2025. This year, the grand opening ceremony and initial matches, along with the conclusive closing ceremony and final game, will be held at the prominent Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal East. This choice of venue underscores the significance and scale of the event for the Zeliangrong community. The subsequent league and knock-out rounds will utilize the SAI Football Grass Ground and Turf Ground, NERC Takyel, also in Imphal, ensuring high-quality playing surfaces for the participating teams.³

In a testament to the growing stature of the tournament, substantial cash prizes have been announced for the winning teams. The champions of this year's edition will be awarded an impressive INR 2 lakh, accompanied by a prestigious trophy. The runners-up team will also receive a significant INR 1 lakh and a trophy, incentivizing fierce but fair competition. Beyond the top two teams, the tournament recognizes excellence in other aspects of play and conduct, with awards for the "Best Disciplined Team" and "Best Parade Team" for group participants. Individual accolades will include "Best Player," "Best Keeper," and "Top Scorer," each accompanied by a cash prize of INR 20,000 and INR 10,000 respectively, along with a trophy.⁴

The invitation to participate extends to every Zeliangrong village youth club across Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, fostering a sense of pan-Zeliangrong unity and healthy competition. Each eligible club is entitled to sponsor not more than one team for the prestigious tournament, ensuring broad representation from the community.⁵

Administrative details for participation have also been released. Entry forms will be made available from August 18 to September 20, 2025, on all working days, excluding Sundays. The deadline for the submission of these completed entry forms is September 27, 2025. Interested Zeliangrong village youth clubs can collect their entry forms from the ZFA's head office located at Kakhulong, Paona Bazar, Imphal, during specified office hours between 11 AM and 4 PM. A nominal entry form fee of INR 1,000 has been set, with a registration fee of INR 5,000 for this year's tournament, covering organizational costs and prize money.⁶

This annual football event not only showcases the athletic talent within the Zeliangrong community but also serves as a crucial platform for cultural exchange and reinforcement of shared identity among the youth from different geographical regions. By commemorating Haipou Jadonang, the tournament perpetuates the memory of a leader who fought for Zeliangrong self-determination and cultural preservation, solidifying his place in the collective consciousness of his people.⁷

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¹ The tournament's name directly honors Haipou Jadonang, a key figure in Zeliangrong history and religion. See: Arkotong Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging: The Heraka Movement in Northeast India (Bloomsbury Academic, 2010), 50-55. ² The Zeliangrong Football Association (ZFA) organizes this event to promote unity and cultural pride within the community across different states. See: EMN, "14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament to kick off on October 11," The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service via e-pao.net, published July 29, 2025. ³ Specific details regarding the start date (October 11) and the venues (Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, SAI Football Grass Ground and Turf Ground) are from the provided news release. See: EMN, "14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament." ⁴ Information on the cash prizes (INR 2 lakh for winners, INR 1 lakh for runners-up) and various individual/group awards are clearly outlined in the tournament's announcement. See: EMN, "14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament." ⁵ The invitation criteria for Zeliangrong village youth clubs from Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, along with the "not more than one team" rule, are part of the participation guidelines. See: EMN, "14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament." ⁶ Details on the entry form issuance and submission dates (August 18 to September 20, closes September 27), collection location (Kakhulong, Paona Bazar, Imphal), office hours, and fees (INR 1,000 entry form, INR 5,000 registration) are practical information for participants. See: EMN, "14th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament." ⁷ The broader significance of the tournament for cultural exchange, youth engagement, and perpetuating Jadonang's legacy is an interpretation of the event's underlying purpose. See: General analyses of sports tournaments in indigenous communities for cultural preservation.