NPF reaffirms commitment to Naga issue

Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday organized an orientation programme for legislators and party leaders at the NPF Central Office under the theme “Insight on Government Departmental Activities and Constructive Role of Party Leaders.”
Delivering the keynote address, Achumbemo Kikon, secretary general and MLA, called upon party leaders to work collectively to deliver services effectively to society. He noted the challenges faced by leaders, stressing that the public holds high expectations. With the recent merger of Naga regional political parties, he said the NPF must strive to act as a channel between the government and grassroots people.
Kikon announced that the Election Commission of India has officially accepted the merger and reaffirmed NPF’s longstanding commitment to the Naga political issue, with Naga integration as its top priority. He appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance to take the issue to the ministerial level, mentioning that the regional party, now a larger family, must work in accordance with people’s expectations.
Resource speaker Hekani Jakhalu Kense, advisor to Industry and Commerce, highlighted challenges such as safety, illegal taxation and human resource gaps that discourage investors. She said the “Made in Nagaland” initiative would promote handicrafts, handloom and food processing, while the upcoming Unity Mall at Chümoukedima would showcase products under the “One District, One Product” formula.
Nyusietho Nyuthe, advisor of NRE and NSDMA, emphasized social and cultural unity and preparedness for natural calamities, noting Nagaland’s seismic vulnerability. Wangpang Konyak, advisor to Social Welfare, informed that the department is bearing all expenses for cataract surgery for senior citizens and has a pension scheme for those above 80 years under BPL, with over 52,000 beneficiaries.
Tongpang Ozukum, advisor for Water Resources, said backlog issues have slowed new projects but assured that restoration of water bodies is underway. Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor for School Education & SCERT, stressed the need to redesign schools and scale standards.
In the second session, minister for Road and Bridges Kaito Aye urged leaders to stay updated with government policies, noting road connectivity achieved under central and state schemes. Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change CL John expressed concern that the government occupies only 5% of forest land and urged awareness to preserve reserve forests, adding that destruction of wildlife and forest resources has been banned.
The programme concluded with a call for unity, responsibility and proactive leadership to ensure development and stability in Nagaland.
The event was chaired by Merentoshi R. Jamir, Vice President COB, with invocation by K. Puro, Vice President COB, and benediction by K. Mangyangpula Chang, Vice President, Central Farmer’s Wing.