GIVES CLARION CALL FOR UNITY TO ALL PARTY WORKERS AS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD
Calling for reconciliation and collective progress, Nagaland chief minister and newly elected president of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dr. Neiphiu Rio, on Tuesday declared “unity is the only way forward,” even as he described the merger of NDPP with the NPF as a “historic and momentous” development marking a new chapter in regional politics.
Addressing the NPF General Convention held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, in conjunction with the party’s 63rd Foundation Day, Dr. Rio said the merger symbolised the collective resolve to work together for a stronger and more inclusive political future.
He said it was not merely an organisational exercise but a renewal of purpose and unity based on shared vision, mutual respect, and determination to build a robust regional party representing the aspirations of the Naga people.
In his acceptance speech, Rio expressed gratitude to God Almighty and the NPF members for reposing faith in him, adding that it was an immense honour and responsibility to serve as president. He lauded former NDPP president Chingwang Konyak for ensuring a smooth merger and acknowledged the graciousness of outgoing NPF president Apong Pongener for facilitating the unification process.
Terming the occasion a “joyous homecoming,” Dr. Rio said the merger represented not just a political realignment but the expansion of a regional family.
He recalled the NPF’s journey from its inception as the Democratic Party of Nagaland in 1963, renamed as United Front of Nagaland(1969) , then United Democratic Front(1972) with a splinter group from Nagaland Nationalist Organisation; renamed as Naga National Democratic Party (1980) after merger with Jasokie’s Naga National Party; then as Naga People’s Council (1998) to the present NPF (2002).
He said throughout all, the regional party retained the “Cock” symbol as a lasting emblem of regional and Naga aspirations.
Reflecting on the difficult phases of the 1990s and early 2000s when the party’s symbol had been frozen, Dr. Rio credited the collective efforts of leaders under the late Vizol Angami for reviving the party’s strength. He highlighted the NPF’s milestones, including its victories in 2003, 2008, and 2013- describing the latter as the “largest mandate in Nagaland’s democratic history.”
On the merger, Dr. Rio said, “The merger of a party with 32 MLAs with another having 2 MLAs is historic and unprecedented,” adding that it reflected willingness to make sacrifices for Naga unity and the greater good. He reaffirmed that the unified party’s foremost priority was an early and honourable resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue that was “inclusive and acceptable to all.”
Emphasising the need to blend peace efforts with holistic development and economic upliftment, Dr. Rio said the youth demanded meritocracy, transparency, and efficiency in leadership. “Integrity, accountability, and selfless service must define political leadership in this age,” he stated, urging the party to embrace innovation and technology to remain relevant.
He said the successful completion of the merger marked a “triumph of unity and reaffirmation of oneness,” and called on members to formulate a new vision and action plan to propel Naga youth towards excellence.
Accepting the NPF presidency with “humility, determination, and hope,” Dr. Rio pledged to serve “the people, the land, and the future.” “Alone, I cannot succeed; but together, with each one of you, we can realise our dreams,” he said.
Concluding his address, Dr. Rio appealed to all sections of society to move forward “with determination, conviction, and compassion,” saying, “Let us send forth the strongest message of Naga solidarity—sounding a clarion call for the Naga family to come together and march forward as one.”
General Convention approves merger
The General Convention of the NPF on Tuesday unanimously approved the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with the NPF and elected a new team of Central Office Bearers (COBs) led by chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, as president of the party for the tenure 2025–2030.
The resolutions were adopted through a show of hands by over 5,000 active party members, signifying collective ratification of decisions earlier endorsed by the COBs and Central Executive Council on October 18, 2025. The convention also resolved to extend full confidence and support to Dr. Rio’s leadership as both chief minister of Nagaland and president of the NPF.
It placed on record deep appreciation for the “bold decision” of the NDPP under its president, Chingwang Konyak, and for Dr. Rio’s “sagacious guidance” in facilitating the historic unification of the two regional parties into a single, stronger political entity.
Further, the convention reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to strengthening the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Nagaland while remaining an active constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
The party resolved to continue consolidating these alliances with the aim of accelerating inclusive development, ensuring progress in all sectors, and contributing to the achievement of genuine peace in Nagaland and Manipur.
On the Naga political issue, the convention underscored that an early and honourable settlement of the protracted negotiations was indispensable to enable Naga youth to participate meaningfully in development and self-reliance. It urged the Government of India and the Naga political groups to expedite the process and reach a solution that is “honourable, acceptable, and inclusive.”
The convention expressed gratitude for the prayerful support of the Church, the moral encouragement of the general public, and the goodwill of elders and pioneers of the party, while appealing for continued support from all sections of society in the years ahead.
Reiterating its earlier resolutions, the convention called upon all former members and regionally minded citizens to join the NPF in the greater interest of the Naga people.
The General Convention, held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, coincided with the 63rd Foundation Day of the party. According to NPF, a total of 5,000 active members participated in the event.
All resolutions were adopted unanimously by the General Convention of the party.
Azo, Achumbemo reaffirm NPF’s regional vision
Delivering the welcome address at the 63rd NPF Convention at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here today, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA described the merger as a profound homecoming coinciding with the party’s founding anniversary. Recalling the NPF’s origin as the Democratic Party of Nagaland in 1963, Azo said the party had remained the “guardian of the Naga soul,” dedicated to protecting Naga identity and championing the political cause.
He paid tribute to the party’s pioneers, including A. Kevichusa, T. Sakhrie, Vizol, Megoto, T. Aliba Imti, and Tajen, whose vision for a unified regional voice he said must be upheld. Welcoming Dr. Rio as a statesman and visionary leader, Azo lauded the NDPP leadership for prioritising unity over party interest. He appealed to NPF members to avoid bitterness, focus on reconciliation, and uphold “love, compassion, honesty, and accountability.”
In his presidential address, outgoing NPF president Apong Pongener described the convention as “a beacon of history in the making” and welcomed Dr. Rio and Chingwang Konyak into the NPF fold. He said their inclusion had fortified the party as a “robust regional entity” representing the interests of all Nagas.
Reflecting on the NPF’s political highs and lows- from 38 Assembly seats in 2013 to two in 2023-Pongener said the party’s grassroots strength and its identity as “a movement for the Nagas” had sustained it through every phase. He urged members to lead with “innovation, integrity, and conviction” and reaffirmed the NPF’s role as the “authentic guardian of Naga interests.”
Delivering the secretary general’s report, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA thanked God for enabling the historic General Convention. Tracing the party’s evolution, he said the NPF had undergone seven name changes since 1963 but retained its symbol and motto Fide Non Armis (“By faith, not by arms”).
Highlighting the NPF’s strengthened presence across Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, Kikon said the party had recovered from the 2023 setback and now stood with 39 MLAs- 34 in Nagaland and 5 in Manipur.
He reaffirmed the NPF’s consistent stand for a peaceful, honourable, and inclusive settlement of the Naga issue and said the merger itself conveyed a message of reconciliation and unity.
Kikon said the party continued to oppose the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, warning it could weaken regional voices. He further informed that memoranda had been submitted to the Election Commission of India and the 16th Finance Commission seeking greater developmental allocation for Nagaland.
The convention concluded with the adoption of eight resolutions, including formal approval of the NDPP-NPF merger, election of a new team of office bearers led by Dr. Rio, and reaffirmation of confidence in his leadership.
The programme began with a Bible reading and prayer by NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, followed by solidarity messages from NPF Arunachal president Happa Taidong and NPF Manipur president Awangbow Newmai.
Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon presided over the endorsement of the merger, followed by an anointing prayer by State chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Terieng.
The election of the Central Office Bearers and Frontal Heads for 2025–2030 was conducted through a show of hands and administered by outgoing president Apong Pongener. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by general secretary H. Changlemba Chang, followed by a mass prayer.