Rio renews call to NPF rank & file for unity and reconciliation

After NDPP merged with NPF on October 18, Nagaland chief minister and newly elected leader of the NPF Legislature Party, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, addressed the ‘Traditional Central Executive Council’ (CEC) of the NPF on Monday, on the eve of the party general convention scheduled on October 21 in Kohima, coinciding with the 63rd foundation day.
It may be recalled that Dr. Rio had revived NPC to form NPF and became its first chief minister on March 6, 2003, to lead the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition government with BJP.
In his address, Dr. Rio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reunite with NPF party colleagues and reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the Naga people.
He also underscored the importance of unity, reconciliation and shared responsibility for peace and development in Nagaland.
He described the merger of NDPP with NPF as a “blessing of divine intervention” and conveyed appreciation to NPF president Apong Pongener and MLAs- Achumbemo Kikon and Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu- for their vision and efforts toward unity and reconciliation.
Reflecting on his political journey, Rio recalled his early years in public life beginning as president of the Kohima District UDF Youth Wing in 1974 and later as state president of the UDF Youth Wing. He recalled his first electoral victory to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1989 as a Congress (I) candidate and holding subsequent ministerial roles. Rio said his leadership was shaped by past political turbulence and challenges.
Rio also recalled resigning from the Congress in 2002 to form the NPF which was founded to protect Naga identity, traditions and customary laws. He highlighted the expansion of the NPF party to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, describing it as part of a broader movement to strengthen the regional voice of the Northeast.
The chief minister also reflected on his tenure as a Member of Parliament in the 16th Lok Sabha and his return to state politics and subsequently leading the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government under the NDPP in 2018 and again in 2023.
He maintained that regional parties require conviction, resilience and sacrifice, and noting that the alliance of NPF with the BJP, since 2003, was aimed at good governance and development while safeguarding regional identity.
He described the reunification of NPF and NDPP as a historic step which was achieved through mutual understanding, unity and divine guidance. He said the merger was not a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective will to serve the Naga people with renewed purpose.
Calling on all party members to rise above personal and tribal differences, Rio urged them to revive the spirit of regionalism and uphold the party’s slogan-“Peace for Development, and Development for Peace.” He appealed to leaders and members to promote mutual trust and work with unity of thought, purpose and action, in order to focus on inclusive development, youth empowerment, employment generation and the long-cherished goal of an honourable Naga political solution.
Rio revealed he temporarily left state politics being saddened by greed and the hunger for power that divided the party in 2013. He urged members to learn from past mistakes, remain united for the good of the party and work together for the welfare of the Naga people.
Earlier, welcoming the members, NPF president Apong Pongener highlighted that NPF party now has 34 elected members and urged all to uphold the legacy of the founding fathers. He reaffirmed the party’s uninterrupted service for over five decades and stressed that the future of Nagaland remains the central focus.
Former NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu MLA, credited the merger to the chief minister, party workers, legislators and the leadership of Apong Pongener. He acknowledged the role of divine guidance in bringing the two regional parties together and called on members to bury past differences and embrace a new beginning with sincerity and a clean heart.
Azo also revealed that chief minister Rio had been extending financial assistance to the NPF during its difficult period, particularly in maintaining party affairs, and expressed gratitude for his continued support.
After leaving NPF, Rio joined the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on January 17, 2018 and later became the new party’s first chief minister on March 8, 2018. He was sworn-in for the fifth time as chief minister on March 7, 2023.
Short speeches were also delivered by NPF working presidents Samuel Risom and Pusazo Luruo. The meeting was chaired by senior vice president Khongjah Konyak, with Mathew Rongmei as recorder and press secretary. Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor, CBC minister Hill, Kohima offered invocation. NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, MLA formally welcomed the erstwhile NDPP legislators, while general secretary Kesoneilie Theünuo proposed the vote of thanks.