NPF-NDDP merger at final stage: Achumbemo

Against the backdrop of Naga People’s Front (NPF) formally joining the NDDP-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government ahead of the proposed merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with NPF, its secretary general Achumbemo Kikon MLA, Wednesday informed that the party will give the green signal after the NPF general convention on October 21.
Interacting with media at his residence here after the PDA consultative meeting convened by the chief minister at his residential office complex, Kikon reminded that NPF has been extending support to the PDA since the past two and half years to strengthen the Naga peace process and to demonstrate unity and collective political will among the Naga people.
He said those present at the PDA meeting convened by chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, included- NPF president Apong Pongener, deputy chief minister and BJP legislature party leader Y. Patton, BJP state president Benjamin Yepthomi, NDPP secretary general Abu Metha, and NDPP senior vice president Rüsemtong Longkumer.
Kikon also disclosed that several resolutions were adopted on continuing alliance with the BJP and collectively pursue the Naga peace process. He said a joint statement would be issued in due course.
Kikon said that NPF formally became part of PDA after NPF president Apong Pongener issued an ordinance on October 15 and a letter to this effect of which was officially handed over to the chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, the leader of PDA legislature party at the consultative meeting of PDA. Kikon also disclosed that his party(NPF) has been working to bring together the two regional parties- NDPP and NPF- together to form a strong, united political front capable of representing Naga aspirations.
Kikon also explained that the concept of an opposition-less government was to show that unity was achievable when driven by a shared political purpose. He said the party’s decision to continue supporting the government was rooted in its commitment to the peace process and regional solidarity.
Emphasizing on the importance of regional unity, he said Nagas face a unique political context requiring collective strength to defend their rights and interests. Kikon expressed gratitude to the Naga public, church leaders, and elders for their support-especially former chief minister and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu-whose goodwill and blessings encouraged the ongoing process.
On the question of the proposed merger between NDPP and NPF, Kikon clarified that all procedural and constitutional requirements of both parties were being carefully followed to ensure a smooth transition, including in their organizational structure.
Expressing optimism, Kikon said the process was progressing well with no visible hurdles. The merger, he added, would result in a unified regional political entity with presence across Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, where Nagas predominantly reside.
He maintained that the merger of the two parties would allow the unified party to pursue the Naga political issue more effectively, adding that “a divided house cannot stand.” Kikon said that the coming together of all sections-urban and rural, young and old-would make the new entity a powerful and representative regional political force.
Reiterating the commitment of the unified front, Kikon said that peace and development would remain the core agenda of the government and assured that the strengthened regional alliance would continue to work for the welfare of the Naga people and advance the Naga peace process.