NDPP-NPF merger ‘imminent’: NDPP leaders

Senior vice president of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Charlie Sekhose, on Saturday said the merger between NDPP and Naga People’s Front (NPF) was “imminent” but cautioned that it was too early to speculate on details.
Addressing media after a meeting with NDPP Dimapur and Chümoukedima regions, Sekhose acknowledged speculations over the merger and party symbol but insisted clarity would come only after decisions by party higher-ups.
He informed that NPF had already held its Central Executive Council meeting with representatives from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, and further steps would follow in phases. On the party symbol, he said whether “Cock” or “Globe,” the final decision would be arrived at collectively, prioritising people’s interest.
Responding to NPF leader Küzholuzo (Azo) Nienü’s remark that the proposed merger would mark a “homecoming” for chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NDPP treasurer Dr. John Murry said Rio had been a founding member of both NPF and NDPP.
With the NPF Central Executive Council (CEC) inviting Rio to lead the party, Murry described the move as symbolic of a return, since both parties trace their roots to him.
On the six-point resolutions adopted by the NPF CEC, Charlie Sekhose said they were awaiting official communication from NPF leadership.
Asked about BJP deputy chief minister Y. Patton’s recent assertion that the BJP would contest all 60 assembly seats, Dr. Murry dismissed it as a personal opinion, noting that NDPP and BJP remain in coalition under a seat-sharing formula.
He clarified that NDPP had set no conditions for the merger, calling it a “mutual setting in” for Naga unity. Murry added that Rio was making personal sacrifices for what could become a “miracle legacy”- a united regional party safeguarding Naga rights and shaping future politics.