C-in-C of new outfit ZLF arrested

IMPHAL, May 11
Assam Rifles (AR) has uncovered the existence of a new militant outfit, the Zomi Liberation Front (ZLF), after arresting a self styled Commander-in-Chief from Lamjang village in Churachandpur district, Manipur.
As per reports, the accused was arrested during a coordinated search and cordon operation by the Assam Rifles along with Chura-chandpur Police in Lamjang village on Saturday. He reportedly attempted to flee from his hideout but was caught after a brief chase.
Following his arrest, the accused was identified as 41-year-old Vicent Pumzamang Taithul, who, according to security forces, was involved in major extortion activities, recruit- ment of cadres from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlements, and the smuggling of weapons and drugs.
Manipur has been grappling with intense violence involving various militant groups since the ethnic clashes of May 2023 between two communities.
Earlier on May 7, armed attackers reportedly targeted villages including Namlee Market, Choro, and Wanglee around 4 am, setting several houses on fire and triggering panic among residents along the India–Myanmar frontier.
The continuing assaults on villages by underground groups have severely impacted the local economy and disrupted the livelihoods of people across the State. In this context, the emergence of another militant outfit is likely to further escalate violence and deepen concerns over loss of life and property in Manipur.  Northeast Live