It was the second general convention within five months for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) party, convened under extraordinary circumstances as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to resolve the dispute over the party caused by a revolt against the leadership of party president Dr. Shürhozelie and chief minister T.R.Zeliang.
Over seven thousand party functionaries that included- NPF legislators, Rajya Sabha member Khekiho, CEC members, delegates from Nagaland, Manipur and Arunchal Pradesh, party members, several independent legislators and BJP minister (Paiwang) attended.
Addressing a jam-packed Indira Gandhi Stadium, NPF president Dr.Shürhozelie said the party general convention was held annually but it had to be convened as per the directive of the ECI due to dispute over party symbol between the party and disputants.
He reminded all delegates on the need for reconciliation and to accept it in its true spirit and rededicate themselves for the cause of the party and development of the state and its people.
He said regretted that much damage had been done to the party, that was built through the toil and sweat of its leaders and that it was time to get together, to heal the wounds. He urged all party members to accept reconciliation in its true spirit and rededicate themselves to the cause of the party and for development of the state and its people.
Dr.Shürhozelie also said people’s desire for reconciliation was amplified by the Election Commission of India(ECI) after which the process initiated and later fulfilled at a meeting between leaders of both NPF groups on April 27 though a few technical points remained for full reconciliation. Dr.Shürhozelie also warned that he would have no regrets to grant leave to those who do not appreciate reconciliation.
He also highlighted the party activities while dealing with dissidence including the fight for party symbol and the crisis that ensued during the past four months.
Dr.Shürhozelie said following the reconciliation with the dissident NPF group Thursday’s special general convention was successful as it has also enabled the NPF to regain strength in order to serve people with more dedication.
He reminded delegates that all party legislators and delegates had unanimously supported the November 26,2014 general convention and with reconciliation having been achieved at Thursday’s convention, last year’s resolution would continue to remain firm.
Dr.Shürhozelie also reaffirmed that the first and foremost priority of the NPF was for solution to the Naga political problem as Nagas desired an early settlement.
CM: Nagaland chief minister T.R.Zeliang, in his address urged upon all party members and in particular, the party legislators to recommit themselves to the cause of peace and development. He advised legislators not to lobby or fight for loaves and fishes of office since only 12 could be in the council of ministers including the chief minister as there were a limited number of departments especially the lucrative departments which everyone was eyeing for.
Zeliang said the party managed to cross dangerous hurdles during the crisis of the past three months, such as threat of imposition of President’s Rule, freezing of the cock symbol, expulsions and disqualification of the MLAs . He urged upon members not to repeat the same in future and to bury the past and work for the people in the spirit of forgive and forget.
He appealed the legislators to shun all ‘isms’, disputes, divisions and conflicts in the spirit of “forgive and forget” with true reconciliation and to remain united to develop a common vision with strength to serve the common masses.
Zeliang said the highest priority of the NPF-led DAN government was for peaceful resolution of the more than six-decade old Naga political issue for a permanent peace. He also said the DAN government remained committed to pave way, if needed, for an alternative arrangement for final resolution of the Naga issue political issue.
With a view to strengthen the collective efforts for a solution, Zeliang said the government has opened the idea of a “consensus government or opposition-less government in the state”.
He described Thursday’s convention as unique that marked a significant chapter in the annals of NPF party’s history and expressed happiness on the advice by the ECI. Zeliang said the party had already put reconciliation into motion and as a result, Thursday’s convention was successful as it also strengthened the party with landmark resolutions for resolving all internal differences within the NPF party.
Noke Wangnao, erstwhile president of the parallel NPF reiterated that the resolutions adopted at the November 26,2014 general convention should remain. He spoke about the reasons for the revolt for change of leadership and the attempt to form the government. Noke opined that since NPF had a majority on its own and headed DAN, it was not necessary to include Congress and independent legislators in the government.
Noke also stated that NPF party has to unite and work together for the next poll to win 40/50 seats.
Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi said reconciliation was not ready made but subject to correction from both the side. He reminded that regionalism needed more discipline as this was lacking among Nagas and that differences should come to the meeting point for solution. Appreciating the process of reconciliation, Khekiho congratulated NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu for his mature approach in making the reconciliation possible.
The function was chaired NPF working president Apong Pongener while invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev. Vevo Phesao pastor Minister Hill Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima. Huskha Yepthomi working president delivered welcome address while introduction of resolution was read out by parliamentary secretary Yitachu and vote of thanks was proposed by Pusazo Luruo vice president. The convention concluded with mass spoken prayer.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
Thursday’s general convention of the NPF party held at Indira Gandhi Stadium unanimously adopted resolution that were read out by Yitachu parliamentary secretary school education.
The convention adopted the declaration that the central office bearers with Dr.Shurhozelie Liezietsu as the NPF party president, at the last general convention on November 26,2014 was “irrevocably valid for a period of five years commencing from January 2015.
The general convention also reaffirmed unequivocal and unconditional support to T.R.Zeliang, chief minister of Nagaland.
Further, the convention also declared that all disputes, differences, conflicts and controversies created within the rank and file of the NPF political and legislature parties with the filing of dispute before ECI on January 22, 2015 stood dissolved amicably in the overall interest of the party and the government.
That the unity and integrity of NPF’ political and legislature remained intact;
Rejected/denounce stoutly and strongly, any attempt to split the party for any reason whatsoever;
Congratulate every active member at the convention for their unanimous decision in adopting the resolutions reiterating the November 26,2014 general convention’s election of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu as party president along with 47 other Central Office bearers;
Convey gratitude to the ECI for directing the party to find recourse to its own constitutional provisions for amicably resolving the issue.
Thursday, April 30, 2026