Naga People’s Front general convention on October 21; no dispute over cock symbol post-merger

KOHIMA — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has announced that it will hold its general convention on October 21, coinciding with its 63rd foundation day, amid ongoing discussions about a merger with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

Addressing media persons after the NPF central office bearers (COB) meeting in Kohima on Thursday, party secretary general and MLA Achumbemo Kikon said there was no dispute between the two parties over the nomenclature or the cock symbol.

“As far as the nomenclature and the symbol are concerned, we have no dispute. There is a consensus indeed, because that is what the Naga people wish for. This party has already attained 62 years; so, it has already stood the test of time,” he said.

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

Kikon also pointed out that the NPF is the second-oldest regional political party in India and the oldest in the Northeast. He said the cock symbol carries strong cultural and political significance for the Nagas, representing the essence of regionalism.

“This symbol is so dear, not only to us but to the entire Naga people. So the symbol, as well as the nomenclature, has already been sorted out. We are in agreement and there is no feeling as such that our side is more into advantages, their side is more into disadvantages,” the NPF leader maintained.

He stated that the COB meeting was held in continuation of the central executive council (CEC) meeting on September 6, which had resolved to appeal to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the NDPP leadership to come together and strengthen the regional party. In response, the NDPP central executive board (CEB) met on September 12 and issued notice to hold its general convention on October 18.

“When the NDPP holds its general convention on October 18, the NPF is hopeful that the decision will be to become a part of the NPF,” Kikon said, adding that the NPF president would issue the official notification for its own convention shortly.

He maintained that the merger, if formalised, would be historically significant as it coincides with the NPF’s 63rd foundation day. Following the decision, he said, the NPF would hold its convention and move forward collectively to strengthen the regional force.

Kikon clarified that the NDPP had not placed any preconditions for the merger and that both party leaderships were approaching the matter with openness. “There are no strings attached but purely natural understanding with the zeal to strengthen the regional force,” he said.

On the organisational front, the secretary general stated that the NPF president has voluntarily decided to pave the way if the merger takes place, as per the convention of the party constitution. Since the president has expressed willingness to retire, a new set of office bearers would have to be constituted.

“Some would wish to retire with this tenure, while some would wish to continue. So all those things will have to be very minutely examined, and office bearers will have to be selected accordingly, because it cannot be occupied only by the present NPF office bearers,” he said.