DIMAPUR, MAY 25 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister and Naga People’s Front president Dr. Neiphiu Rio has expressed happiness over the formal approval of the NDPP-NPF merger by the Election Commission of India, stating that the NPF now stood certified as a unified regional party with the erstwhile NDPP ceasing to exist as a separate political entity.
Addressing the party ticket distribution ceremony for the Town Council bye-elections 2026, Rio described the development as a “golden period” in the history of the NPF and urged party workers to rededicate themselves to the service of the Naga people.
Expressing satisfaction on returning to his original political home, Rio said the NPF had always stood as the true custodian of Naga rights and identity. He asserted that the party was formed solely to fight for the rights, identity and dignity of the Naga people and urged members to take pride in its legacy.
He said generations of prominent Naga leaders had served the people through the NPF and that the party had made sacrifices to uphold Naga identity and rights. Rio further urged party leaders to place public interest above personal interest and remain faithful to the party Constitution.
Calling it “a time for renewal”, he urged leaders to equip themselves with the aims and objectives of the party and continue to stand firmly for the Naga cause.
He also asked municipal councillors to prioritise public interest and strictly adhere to party guidelines and not create any misunderstanding amongst themselves.
Rio further called upon party workers to move forward with unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to the Naga cause, ensuring that the NPF remains the authentic voice of the Naga people.
NPF secretary general and MLA Achumbemo Kikon, while introducing the candidates, informed that all formalities relating to the NDPP-NPF merger had been completed.
He urged the three candidates to abide by the party’s constitution and serve the people.
The three NPF candidates contesting the ULB bye-elections– Neichüu Kuotsu from Chümoukedima Town Ward No. 11, Shikavi Kiba from Atoizu Town Ward No. 9 and Ar. Aling Lotha from Wokha Town Ward No. 8– were administered oath by working president Pusazo Loruo.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NPF senior vice president Khongjah Konyak while the invocation prayer was led by working president Ahovi Zhimomi. The ticket dedicatory prayer was offered by State chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Terieng and vote of thanks was proposed by senior vice president N. Bendang Jamir.
