NPF central team tour culminates at Bhandari

Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central Team concluded its state-wide tour with a public meeting held at Bhandari Town on Thursday. Party leaders from various ranks attended the event and interacted with local members and supporters.
NPF president Apong Pongener, addressing the gathering, spoke about the party’s legacy, noting that the NPF is 62 years old—making it the second-oldest regional party in India and the oldest in the Northeast. He said the party was founded to bring lasting peace to Nagaland through faith, not violence, and reaffirmed that peace is essential for development. Pongener recalled the party’s role in the 1964 peace initiative and its decision to abstain from the 1998 elections in support of the peace process.
He urged Nagas across regions to unite under one banner and work together for the common good.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Khiamniungan community in Pangsha, where 183 villages lie in Myanmar and 46 in India, and assured that the NPF remains committed to defending their rights.
Speaking on the party’s current position, Pongener said that although NPF holds only two seats in the state assembly, its MLAs are strong and capable. He called on the people to re-elect them, expressing confidence in their leadership.
NPF secretary-general and Achumbemo Kikon MLA also addressed the gathering.
He emphasized that politics affects every aspect of life and urged people to choose leaders who truly represent the people.
Achumbemo said that only a regional party like the NPF can protect Naga identity and interests.
He acknowledged the development needs of the 40 Bhandari constituency but praised its strong leadership potential. He also spoke on the scattered Naga population across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Myanmar, describing the borders as “artificial divisions” imposed without Naga consent.
He reaffirmed NPF’s stand against such divisions and its commitment to resolving border issues.
On the Opposition-less government in Nagaland, Achumbemo explained that the NPF joined the government in the spirit of unity, despite not having enough seats to claim the Leader of Opposition post.
He clarified that this decision does not compromise the party’s commitment to Naga identity.
NPF Youth Wing president Süpoyi Vezhu described the 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency as strategically important and the second-largest polling station in the region. He said having an NPF MLA from the area is a major advantage. NPF Women’s Wing President Yanhola also spoke, describing the party as deeply connected to the people and widely respected. She called for unity and encouraged more people to join the party.