Naga People’s Front (NPF)’s Central Executive Council (CEC) has appealed to the Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio to rejoin the NPF.
NPF CEC meeting held at the party headquarters here on Saturday unanimously adopted six resolutions with a call to consolidate regionalism and strengthen the party.
CEC reaffirmed its earlier February 12 resolution inviting all former members to return to the party, stating that such a step would serve the larger interest of both the NPF and the Naga people.
In a special resolution, the CEC made a formal appeal to chief minister Neiphiu Rio to rejoin the NPF and assume leadership of the party.
Describing him as a strong regionalist and an integral member since joining in 1974 as Kohima division youth president in the erstwhile United Democratic Front (UDF) days, the party said Rio’s return to his “original political platform” would send a positive message to the public.
CEC also appealed to all regional-minded sitting and former MLAs, MPs, and functionaries of like-minded regional parties to rally under the NPF umbrella in order to build a united front to safeguard the rights and interests of the Naga people and future generations.
Acknowledging the incumbent president’s willingness to facilitate organisational adjustments, the CEC resolved to constitute a Central Election Board should new developments arise. It authorised the party president to make necessary arrangements in accordance with the party constitution.
On the Naga political issue, the CEC reiterated its call for an early, honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution, urging all Naga national workers to reconcile in the larger interest of the people.
Later, briefing media person, NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon described the CEC as the highest policy-making body of the party, comprising central office bearers, state unit presidents, divisional representatives, nominated members and senior leaders. He asserted that decisions taken by CEC were final, even in cases of constitutional interpretation, underscoring the significance of Saturday’s resolutions.
Kikon informed that the first resolution reiterated decision of February 12, 2025, appealing to all former NPF members to reconsider their stance and rejoin the party. “We have once again urged our old colleagues to retrace their steps, return and strengthen the party,” he said.
The second resolution, he said, was a formal and special appeal to chief minister Neiphiu Rio to return to the NPF and assume leadership of the party.
Tracing Rio’s political journey, Kikon recalled that he began his career with the then UDF in 1974 as president of the Kohima division youth wing and later became state youth president and played a vital role in party organisation and elections. “This party is not new to him; it is his original political home,” Kikon stressed, adding that the resolution sought Rio’s leadership “to strengthen the NPF, to move the Nagas forward.”
The third resolution extended the party’s call beyond Rio, appealing to regional-minded legislators—both current and former MLAs and MPs—as well as leaders of like-minded regional parties, to join hands with NPF in building a united and strong regional front for the Naga cause.
A significant development was the fourth resolution, in which the CEC collectively appreciated the statement of NPF president Apong Pongener, who, in his address, expressed his willingness to step down if Rio returned.
Kikon described this as “a huge, giant step forward” and maintained that such sacrifice was necessary for reconciliation and unity. CEC also authorised the incumbent president to constitute a central election board if required to facilitate a smooth transition.
Reiterating the party’s long-standing stand on the Naga political issue, the Kikon said the meeting once again resolved to pursue an “honourable, inclusive and acceptable” solution.
Responding to queries on possible discontent among some sections, Kikon maintained that occasional differences in opinion did not undermine collective decisions. “When the highest leaderships are involved, individual expressions of unhappiness cannot outweigh the will of the party,” he said.
Further, he stated that the move to bring together NPF and NDPP was not about numbers but about safeguarding regional identity, strengthening the peace process and sending a strong message of unity to Naga society. “Although we have fewer legislators at the moment, the NPF is deeply rooted in ideology and history. This is the original platform envisioned by our founders to address the Naga issue,” he pointed out.
Kikon expressed optimism that the resolutions adopted would “yield positive results” and hoped that both regional parties would ultimately come together. “God is working, and we believe the Almighty will help us. Keep your fingers crossed—we will see a positive outcome,” he said.
NPF marks first Indo-Naga ceasefire
Marking the 61st anniversary of the first “Indo-Naga” ceasefire of September 6, 1964, the party observed a mass prayer and invoked God’s blessings for peace and unity among the Nagas.
NPF vice president Lanukaba delivered a historical account tracing the Indo-Naga political journey and sacrifices of past leaders.
He recalled milestones such as the 1929 Simon Commission memorandum, the Hydari Agreement of 1947, the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, the 1951 plebiscite, and the division of Naga areas in 1953. He described the atrocities of the 1954–64 conflict period, including village burnings, forced grouping and human rights violations.
Lanukaba highlighted the role of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s Peace Mission that led to the 1964 ceasefire, formally accepted by the Government of India on August 10 and enforced from September 6, 1964. He also recalled that the Democratic Party of Nagaland, precursor to NPF, was formed in 1963 with a manifesto pledge for peace through a ceasefire, and that its 12 MLAs resigned in 1964 in line with this stand. “September 6 is a red-letter day for the NPF and the Naga people,” he said.
NPF state units of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur also conveyed solidarity. Arunachal unit president Happa Taidong assured full support, while Manipur unit president and MLA Awangbow Newmai said NPF had emerged as a strong political force in the state and was poised for greater relevance. He asserted that only NPF had been able to unify Nagas under one political vision and pledged full backing to the resolutions of the CEC.