After being accused of its involvement in the ambush that claimed the lives of multiple villagers and church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K), an armed group from the state, has firmly denied the allegations. The attack took place on Wednesday, May 13, between the Kuki villages of Kotlen and Kotzim.
The ambush claimed the lives of Kuki church leaders Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen, and multiple Kuki civilians. Reportedly, following the incident, more than 15 villagers from Maram, Kangpokpi, and Konsakhul Naga village, have been held hostage at the Leilon Vaiphei village by suspected Kuki militants.
Vehemently denying any involvement on their part, the ZUF Kamson faction, in a press statement, expressed deep shock and concern regarding the ambush that claimed so many innocent lives. And regarding the allegations particularly made by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, it said that these accusations were ‘baseless, unfounded, and misleading’. ‘The organisation was neither aware of nor connected to the attack in any manner’, the ZUF-K stated.
