Nagaland: NPF Zbto pledges unity; charts course for 2026–2030

Naga People’s Front (NPF) Zunheboto division held its oath-taking-cum-felicitation programme for office bearers at the Multipurpose Hall, Zunheboto, on February 7.
In a press release, media secretary of Zunheboto division, addressing the gathering, Er. Picto Shohe MLA urged members to uphold the oath taken, noting that the present tenure would continue from 2026 to 2030. He acknowledged the support of party workers and observed that there was no previous history of Sumi representation in regional parties.
Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S. Toiho Yeptho, stressed the importance of regional parties in addressing Naga issues, remarking that national parties often fail to do so. He said Nagaland was moving towards unity under the NPF banner, with 34 elected members so far, and emphasised the interdependence between the party and its legislators.
Advisor for Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, cautioned against rumours and urged harmony among party workers. He highlighted government initiatives including the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) with 65 empanelled hospitals nationwide, strengthening of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) for merit-based recruitment, and programmes to tackle unemployment. He noted that around 70,000 youths are officially unemployed in Nagaland and pointed to initiatives such as the Japan Connect Programme and international partnerships through the Hornbill Festival as avenues for employment.
Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, K. Tokugha Sukhalu, called upon members to strengthen the organisation by supporting one another. He reminded the gathering that NPF was initiated under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and urged members to actively uphold and shape the party.
Representing all six Assembly Constituencies, Khehoi Aye, president of 33 A/C, stressed the need to avoid communication gaps and emphasised effective utilisation of Local Area Development Programme Funds (LADPF) for grassroots development.
Working president of NPF Zunheboto division, Ahovi Zhimo, urged members to stand firm, speak the truth and collectively mould the party’s future. He emphasised that unity leads to economic growth and appealed to landowners to cooperate with the government by selling land for developmental projects to make Zunheboto a developed district.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by S. Kakishe Muru, general secretary (Administration), NPF Zunheboto Division. The event began with an opening hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” followed by invocation from Rev. Inakhu Sumi, pastor of Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church.
The welcome address was delivered by Dennis P. Awomi, president of the Youth Wing, NPF Zunheboto division. Oaths to the division office bearers were administered by Kuhoi Zhimo, general secretary, COB IC, NPF Zunheboto Division, while oaths to the six Assembly Constituencies were administered by Khehoshe H. Yeptho, president, NPF Zunheboto Division.
Special prayer and blessing for the newly inducted office bearers was pronounced by Dr. Hutton Sumi, pastor of Sumi Baptist Church, Zunheboto. A special number was presented by Viniholi Achumi, treasurer, Women Wing, NPF Zunheboto Division.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Hotovi Chishi, vice president, NPF Zunheboto Division, followed by benediction from Aheli Zhimo, secretary, Women Wing, NPF Zunheboto Division.