NPF president offers to step down for merger

In a significant political move, Naga People’s Front (NPF) party president Apong Pongener on Saturday offered to step down from the presidency to pave the way for chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s return and lead the regional front.
Addressing the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting here, Pongener said his decision was driven by the larger interests of the party and the Naga people, stressing that Rio’s leadership was “monumental” in the past and would once again strengthen the regional movement.
“If Dr. Neiphiu Rio is willing to return to his original political platform, I will resign from the post of president to clear the path for him to lead both the party and the government,” he declared, amid loud applause.
Recalling the NPF’s legacy since its founding in 1963, Pongener said it was the first regional party carrying the name of the Naga people with a history of sacrifice and commitment.
He cited the role of the then Democratic Party of Nagaland (later NPF) in facilitating the 1964 ceasefire through the resignation of its legislators, and the party’s decision to abstain from the 1998 Assembly elections in solidarity with civil society’s call for a solution.
He said these sacrifices continued to define the party’s identity and relevance.
He reiterated NPF’s stand for an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Naga issue and urged unity across society. He also voiced opposition to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, insisting that peace and stability can only be restored through a democratically elected government.
On party affairs, Pongener reminded that the February 12 resolution had invited all former comrades to return and made a special appeal to Rio, describing him as a “true regionalist.”
Apong Pongener said his readiness to resign was a duty if it ensured unity among regional forces and urged leaders to set aside pride and ambition for the greater cause of the Naga people.