Nagaland NPF calls for renewed commitment, discipline

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) was held Friday at the party headquarters in Kohima, where senior leaders called for unity, discipline, and renewed commitment to strengthen the party and uphold its founding ideals.
Delivering the keynote address, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, MLA urged members to uphold the ideals, discipline, and responsibilities entrusted to them and to work collectively towards advancing the party’s vision.
Paying tribute to NPF president and chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, who could not attend the function, Kikon lauded his wisdom, courage, political acumen, and love for the Naga people for keeping the party united.
Tracing the NPF’s origins to its founding on October 21, 1963, under the chairmanship of late A. Kevichüsa, the first Naga graduate, Kikon said the party had since been guided by ten presidents– Dr. Rio being the tenth- and by sensible and intellectual leaders dedicated to the Naga cause.
Sharing his visit to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi, Kikon said he personally submitted documents related to the party’s general convention held on October 21. Despite procedural delays, the documents were accepted after he asserted NPF’s legacy as the second oldest regional party in India and the oldest in the North East. Highlighting the NPF’s organisational structure, Kikon said the party maintains a “master register” of members with photographs and records for identification. While primary membership is lifelong unless resigned or expelled, active members must lead at least 50 supporters, and office bearers must have 100. “This party is one that you will not degrade,” he said, urging leaders to serve with humility and dedication.
He reminded members that “inner party democracy” allows open discussions within party forums but warned that speaking against collective decisions outside would invite disciplinary action.
Reaffirming the party’s founding motto fide non armis (“by faith, not by arms”), Kikon said NPF had consistently stood for an honourable and peaceful resolution to the Naga political issue. He said the NPF’s flag, symbol, and motto had never changed, noting that the cock (murga), its emblem, represents vigilance and the dawn of a new day.
Kikon recalled that NPF’s first elected members in 1964 resigned after facilitating the ceasefire between Naga freedom fighters and the Government of India, and that the party boycotted the 1998 elections in support of peace. He affirmed that the party remains ready to “step down from power any moment” if an honourable solution is achieved.
Calling on members to stay informed on government policies, Kikon urged closer coordination between elected representatives and party functionaries. He also encouraged the youth and women wings to play active roles, describing them as the “backbone of the party,” and cautioned against groupism.
He informed that the party’s central office would shift to its new building at Secretariat Road, Kohima, from November 1, while the existing office would serve the Kohima Division.
In his address, NPF working president Ahovi Zhimomi commended chief minister Rio’s leadership for expanding the party’s base to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. He said unity between NPF and NDPP symbolised “two brothers coming together” and called on members to strengthen the Chief Minister’s leadership and work for peace.
Also addressing the gathering, NPF working president H. Chuba Chang recalled his political journey, stressing that loyalty to the party must come above personal gain. Reflecting on the NPF-NDPP merger, he said it was “the wisdom of our leader” that made unity possible and urged members to let God guide their collective efforts.
Earlier, the oath of office was administered by NPF working president Pusazo Luruo. The event was chaired by senior vice president Khongjah Konvak, invocation was said by vice president S. Akho Leyri, prayer for the new office bearers was offered by Rev. Yamyep Konyak, and vote of thanks was delivered by senior vice president Bendang Jamir. Proceedings were recorded by vice president Benjamin Lorin.