Gunfight erupts in anti-poppy drive
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 8: A heavy exchange of fire took place between Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) and Kuki militants at Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi district under Kangchup police station this morning.
However, there is no report of any injury or casualty on either side.
Sources said that the clash might be related to the ZUF(K)’s earlier warning against poppy cultivation and ‘incursion’ in Zeliangrong areas, and the Kuki militants’ defiance.
According to the sources, ZUF(K) cadres attacked some bunkers of Kuki militants set up at Kharam Vaiphei at around 7 am.
The attack resulted in a fierce exchange of fire which went on for around 40 minutes.
Notably, ZUF(K) has been carrying poppy destruction drives in different parts of the hill districts of Manipur since the past few months.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by ZUF(K) said that its armed wing Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF) conducted an operation against Kuki armed outfits at Kharam Vaiphei village at around 7.40 am.
The operation was compelled by serious concerns over the submission of a topographical map in support of the demand for Separate Administration, illegal poppy cultivation, activities along Tiger Road/German Road, establishment of unauthorised camps and other unlawful activities within ‘Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory’, it said.
It said that at least two/three Kuki militants might have suffered serious injuries but all ZTF cadres have reached their camp safely.
Saying that it does not oppose the legitimate aspirations of the Kuki people within their recognised native land, the ZUF(K) has categorically asserted that no Kuki land exists within ‘Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory’.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect its people, land and property, the ZUF(K) has warned that any form of encroachment will not be tolerated.
It has also asked those occupying ‘Zeliangrong areas’ unlawfully to pack their belongings and leave immediately to avoid escalation.
IMPHAL, Jan 8: A heavy exchange of fire took place between Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) and Kuki militants at Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi district under Kangchup police station this morning.
However, there is no report of any injury or casualty on either side.
Sources said that the clash might be related to the ZUF(K)’s earlier warning against poppy cultivation and ‘incursion’ in Zeliangrong areas, and the Kuki militants’ defiance.
According to the sources, ZUF(K) cadres attacked some bunkers of Kuki militants set up at Kharam Vaiphei at around 7 am.
The attack resulted in a fierce exchange of fire which went on for around 40 minutes.
Notably, ZUF(K) has been carrying poppy destruction drives in different parts of the hill districts of Manipur since the past few months.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by ZUF(K) said that its armed wing Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF) conducted an operation against Kuki armed outfits at Kharam Vaiphei village at around 7.40 am.
The operation was compelled by serious concerns over the submission of a topographical map in support of the demand for Separate Administration, illegal poppy cultivation, activities along Tiger Road/German Road, establishment of unauthorised camps and other unlawful activities within ‘Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory’, it said.
It said that at least two/three Kuki militants might have suffered serious injuries but all ZTF cadres have reached their camp safely.
Saying that it does not oppose the legitimate aspirations of the Kuki people within their recognised native land, the ZUF(K) has categorically asserted that no Kuki land exists within ‘Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory’.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect its people, land and property, the ZUF(K) has warned that any form of encroachment will not be tolerated.
It has also asked those occupying ‘Zeliangrong areas’ unlawfully to pack their belongings and leave immediately to avoid escalation.