Calls for honourable solution to Naga political issue
Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 21 (NPN): State chief minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged party leaders and workers to put public service ahead of the pursuit of power, stressing that the party must remain accountable to the people and work towards an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue.
Addressing the NPF’s 64th Foundation Day celebration at Capital Cultural Hall here, Rio said the party’s strength lay in its connection with ordinary people and urged members to stand by them not only during elections but also in times of difficulty.
He reminded party members that positions were temporary and no individual was bigger than the organisation. Calling for unity, he urged them to set aside personal ambitions and differences in favour of collective responsibility, while strengthening the party from the state leadership to the grassroots across all 60 Assembly constituencies.
On the Naga political issue, Rio called upon all negotiating parties to demonstrate sincerity and accommodation to achieve an honourable and inclusive settlement. He said the NPF was not a negotiating party but would continue to facilitate efforts to advance the peace process. Reflecting on the party’s 64-year journey, Rio said NPF had endured electoral victories and defeats, internal divisions and challenges to its existence. He credited the determination of past leaders and the loyalty of grassroots workers for sustaining the party and preserving the ideals of its founding fathers.
He urged the present generation to uphold that legacy by remaining committed to the aspirations, dignity and welfare of the Naga people. He also welcomed those who had recently joined or merged with the party, saying the NPF remained open to all who shared its principles and commitment to public welfare. Rio called for greater participation by women and young people, stressing the need to prepare the next generation of leaders.
On development, he highlighted entrepreneurship, self-employment, skill development and rural livelihoods, alongside government initiatives in healthcare, life insurance, recruitment reform, medical education and investment promotion. He said Nagaland needed to adapt to changing economic and technological realities while ensuring that development reached all sections of society. Rio also expressed concern over the situation in Manipur, conveying solidarity with those affected by violence, displacement and loss of life, and calling for reconciliation, restored trust and lasting peace.
Reflecting on his political journey spanning more than five decades, Rio thanked the people for their trust and urged party members to renew their commitment to public service and the NPF’s founding principles. He concluded by invoking God’s blessings on the party and the people, reaffirming the NPF motto, “Fide, non Armis” — “By Faith, Not Arms” — and calling for unity and dedication to the welfare of the Naga people.
State deputy chief minister TR Zeliang, in a written message, extended greetings on the foundation day and expressed confidence in the party’s continued growth under Rio’s leadership. He called for inclusive development, peace, harmony and public welfare, and thanked party members for their solidarity and support to his family following the loss of his son. Minister for environment, forest and climate change CL John said the NPF, founded in 1963, had weathered numerous challenges and been revived under Rio’s leadership following its setback in the 2023 Assembly elections. He said the joining of 32 MLAs had strengthened the party’s position.
John called for unity among Naga tribes, national workers and denominations. He also thanked the government for passing the bill concerning the ENPO demand and Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), urging people to safeguard the 40 allocated Assembly seats.
Minister for rural development Metsübo Jamir recalled the sacrifices of the party’s founding fathers and urged workers to uphold the motto “Fide, non Armis”. Describing the NPF as a national party representing the Nagas rather than merely a regional outfit, he said the opposition-less government had been formed to pursue solutions to issues confronting the people.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to peace, non-violence and an amicable and honourable solution to the Naga political issue. He said the party’s founders had laid a foundation for successive generations to pursue Naga aspirations through peaceful and democratic means.
Minister G Kaito Aye said the wisdom and legacy of the founding fathers had shaped the party’s present position. He urged workers to reach out to the people ahead of the next Assembly election, set aside differences and prioritise public welfare.
Manipur deputy chief minister Losii Dikho called for peace, unity and constructive dialogue to address the crisis in Manipur, while urging continued support for the NPF ahead of the state’s next Assembly election.
Dikho said the party had strengthened its presence in Manipur despite facing opposition during its initial expansion, promoting emotional, social and cultural ties among Naga communities across Nagaland and Manipur.
The programme was chaired by NPF working president H Chuba Chang. State chaplain Rev Izietielung Terieng pronounced the invocation, followed by the opening hymn, “Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!”
NPF advisor and secretary general Achumbemo Kikon delivered the welcome address, while working president Pusazo Luruo presented the party’s history, followed by a tribute. President emeritus Chingwang Konyak administered the pledge, and working president Abu Metha delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a benediction by working president Ahovi Zhimomi and was compered by general secretary Ate Kevichüsa and associate press secretary Ninoto Awomi.