After ECI clearance of NDPP-NPF, NPF urges enlarged party to meet public expectations and strengthen governance in Nagaland.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday announced that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially communicated its acceptance of the NDPP-NPF merger.
The announcement was made by Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and Secretary General of the NPF, during an orientation programme for legislators and party leaders held at NPF central office in Kohima.
Addressing party functionaries, Kikon said the party has now become a larger family and must work in accordance with people’s expectations. He said the NPF must now function as an effective link between the government and grassroots citizens and urged leaders to be better equipped to meet public expectations.
Reaffirming the party’s longstanding position, Kikon stated that the NPF remains committed to the Naga political issue, with Naga integration as its topmost priority. “The NPF stands beyond statehood,” he added, while appreciating Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent assurance to take the Naga political issue to the ministerial level.
Also read: NPF–BJP alliance intact — Achumbemo Kikon
According to a press release, the orientation programme featured presentations from ministers and advisors on departmental activities.
Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, pointed out that safety, security, illegal taxation and human resource challenges often discourage investors from investing in Nagaland. She expressed optimism that the department’s initiative ‘Made in Nagaland’ would promote Naga handicraft, handloom and food processing.
Stating that the government does not have “free money” but has resources for genuine projects, she urged Nagas to take business seriously.
She also highlighted plans to identify Nagaland’s weave, home furnishings and wood carving as key products, and shared that infrastructure development includes the upcoming Unity Mall at Chümoukedima. The mall will follow the ‘One District, One Product’ formula, with space allocated for each district.
Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor for NRE and NSDMA, emphasised the need for social and cultural unity among Nagas. Observing that Nagaland lies in a seismic zone, he said the department is prepared with relief measures for natural calamities and highlighted the availability of various disaster relief funds, urging collective preparedness.
Wangpang Konyak, Advisor for Social Welfare, said the department is bearing all expenses for cataract surgery for senior citizens and called upon the public to avail of the facilities. He added that the department runs a pension scheme for senior citizens above 80 years of age under BPL, with more than 52,000 beneficiaries currently availing of it.
He also flagged duplication of beneficiaries in certain districts, which the department is working to resolve.
Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor for Water Resources, said backlog issues have posed challenges in taking up new projects, but expressed hope that new projects would be launched from the next financial year. He added that the department is working to restore water bodies in the state, noting that Nagaland has very few compared to other states.
Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, stressed the need to redesign schools in Nagaland and shared various challenges faced by the department. He said several new initiatives are being taken up to upgrade and improve school standards, focusing on infrastructure, administration and scaling of standards.
In the second session, Kaito Aye, Minister for Road and Bridges, urged party leaders to stay updated with government policies and programmes. He said many roads were constructed under centrally sponsored schemes as well as state PWD funds, and maintained that the department has done its best to ensure road connectivity in the state.
CL John, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, said the government occupies only about 5% of forest land and urged party leaders to create awareness among communities to preserve reserve forests. He stated that the department has banned the destruction of wildlife and forest resources to protect the environment.
The programme concluded with a call for unity and proactive leadership to ensure development and stability in the state.