Door wide open for Neiphiu Rio: Naga People’s Front chief ready to step down

KOHIMA — Amid speculation of a possible merger between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF), party president Apong Pongener on Saturday offered to resign if Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio chooses to rejoin the NPF.

Addressing the central executive council (CEC) meeting at the party’s central office in Kohima, Pongener declared: “In the event of Dr. Neiphiu Rio's willingness to rejoin the Naga People's Front, I, Apong Pongener, President of the NPF, hereby offer to resign from the presidency to pave the way for Dr. Neiphiu Rio to lead the party and steer the party-led government in Nagaland."

He reaffirmed his commitment before the CEC, urging members to work collectively to strengthen the NPF and secure the aspirations of the people.

Recalling the party’s history since 1963, Pongener described the NPF as the first regional party dedicated to preserving Naga identity while promoting social, cultural, and political aspirations.

Despite transformations, he said, the NPF remained “the only political party bearing the name ‘Naga People,’ tirelessly working for the security and welfare of Nagas and other indigenous peoples.”

Also read: NPF President offers to step down to pave way for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

The president stressed that the NPF continues to advocate for an honourable, inclusive, and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue, which remains central to its ideology.

He also pressed the Centre to restore the popular government in Manipur, under suspended animation since February 13, 2025.

WATCH MORE:

Citing a resolution adopted earlier this year, Pongener once again appealed to all former comrades to return to the party fold, particularly Rio, whose political journey from the United Democratic Front days in the 1970s to leading the NPF to power in 2003 and serving as chief minister until 2014 was described as “monumental.”

Rio’s return, he added, would significantly bolster the party’s efforts to safeguard political and historical rights.

Nienu: ‘Welcome without condition’

MLA and NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo Nienu, in his address, maintained that NPF has been the guardian of Naga political issues. Unlike other political parties, he said, the NPF would “never fade away.”

Declaring that “the process for bringing two regional parties together has started today,” Nienu credited both the NPF and NDPP leadership for enabling several rounds of talks.

He described Rio as a “pure regionalist,” noting that the NPF was his original home.

Nienu cautioned against speculation until a final call is taken, urging party workers to exercise restraint. He also underlined the desire of many Nagas to see only one strong regional party, arguing that smaller states like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur cannot sustain two rival regional parties.

Reacting to BJP Legislature Party leader Y Patton’s recent remark that the BJP preferred a “friendly contest” in the next elections, Nienu termed it a positive sign, saying the priority should be strengthening regional parties.

He also welcomed the NDPP’s upcoming central executive board meeting as an important step forward.

Read more: Nagaland: NDPP denies ‘clearing decks’ for NPF merger, awaits party decision

“The NPF should not put conditions or make provocative statements,” he advised, adding that the party must remain open and welcoming in its efforts to unite.

Resolutions and appeals

After the meeting, NPF Secretary General and MLA Achumbemo Kikon briefed the media, describing the CEC as the party’s highest policy-making body.

He informed that the CEC reaffirmed the February 12, 2025 resolution inviting all former comrades to rejoin the NPF in the interest of the party and the Naga people. The council also adopted a special appeal urging Chief Minister Rio to return and assume leadership of the party.

WATCH MORE:

Highlighting Rio’s long association with the NPF, from serving as Youth President of Kohima Division in 1974 to his leadership during the UDF era, Kikon said the party continued to regard him as an “integral part of the NPF.” His return, he added, would send a positive message to the public.

The CEC further resolved to appeal to all regional-minded legislators, parliamentarians, and functionaries of like-minded parties to join forces under the NPF umbrella. “A united front is essential to advance the regional agenda and safeguard the rights and interests of the Naga people,” Kikon stated.

He informed that the CEC had authorised the president to constitute a central election board and issue necessary notifications, should any new developments arise within the organisational structure.

Reiterating its political stance, the CEC once again called for an early, honourable, acceptable, and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue. It also urged Naga national workers to reconcile “in the larger interest of the people.”

Responding to questions, Kikon noted that although the NPF’s numbers in the Assembly are small compared to the NDPP’s 32 members, both parties had collectively decided to work together “to protect the identities of the Naga people.”