Imphal, July 23 -- The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has accused the NSCN-IM of running multiple illegal checkpoints along National Highway-37 and extorting money and goods from transporters, commuters and residents. The outfit also warned of retaliatory action if the group's alleged "anti-Zeliangrong" activities and forced recruitment of youths do not stop immediately.

The ZUF, a Naga insurgent group formed in 2011 to demand a separate Zeliangrong state, is currently under a Suspension/Cessation of Operations agreement with the Government of India and the Manipur government.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ZUF alleged that the NSCN-IM and its associates have set up six to seven unauthorised checkpoints along NH-37, where they ...