ZUF cracks down on poppy cultivation, illegal settlers

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 1: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has burnt and destroyed vehicles of ‘illegal settlers’, and structures used in illegal cultivation of poppy in Kangpokpi district.
The action was taken after repeated warnings to illegal settlers to refrain from cultivating poppy were ignored, said the ZUF in a statement.
The ZUF had repeatedly issued warnings asking illegal settlers to cease poppy cultivation operations at Zeliangrong-Inpui ancestral land, specifically at Waphong Village, Lungkhongmon area, Sapermeina sub-division, Kangpokpi district, it said.
The ZUF, in its statement, said it is issuing a final warning to all cultivators, settlers and their supporters to immediately vacate and desist from all farming, cultivation and occupation of Zeliangrong-Inpui ancestral territory.
Any continued defiance will be met with fitting reprisals as determined by the front; no excuses will be accepted, it said.
The ZUF will not permit any community, group, or individual to encroach upon, exploit, or submerge even a single inch of ‘our ancestral land and resources by force or deceit,’ said the ZUF.
The front will intensify efforts to remove all illegal refugees and settlers from Zeliangrong-Inpui territory and to restore rightful ownership and control to its people, it added.