Naga People’s Front must expand footprint to Assam, says Neiphiu Rio at CEC meeting

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the Naga People’s Front (NPF) must establish its presence in Assam, “no matter how small it may be,” while acknowledging the party’s existing units in Arunachal Pradesh and its five MLAs in Manipur.

Addressing party leaders at the NPF central executive council (CEC) meeting in Kohima, Rio recounted how the party name was changed from Nagaland People’s Front to Naga People’s Front to reflect that Nagas live beyond the state’s political boundary.

“We are grateful that we have five NPF MLAs from Manipur, and we have existence in Arunachal also. Now we must also have our footprint in Assam,” he said.

The chief minister recalled that the merger of NDPP and NPF had created “history” not for organisational benefit but “for the interest of the Nagas,” and said its success would depend on how smoothly the merged entity functions in the coming years.

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He thanked party members for supporting his leadership as both chief minister and NPF president, and reminded them that the merger was undertaken to uphold Naga history, tradition, culture and identity. He urged party workers to speak confidently about the history of the Nagas.

Rio said the party should maintain a record of all chief ministers and deputy chief ministers who benefitted from the NPF platform, and continue working together “to pursue and fight for the Nagas.”

On organisational matters, he said disagreements over appointments of division presidents, CEC members and frontal wings should be addressed without rancour, adding that any non-performing appointee “will be replaced.” He appealed for cooperation and tolerance.

Being regional is a sacrifice

Rio said being part of a regional party was a “huge sacrifice,” unlike joining a national party where “they carry your burden.” However, he argued that regional parties must continue upholding identity, cultural tradition and regional aspirations.

He said even the British had recognised Naga history, and that this recognition continued when Nagaland joined the Indian Union.

“If Nagas don’t recognise ourselves, then whom do we blame?” he asked. He assured that the party platform would continue to be used “to fight for the rights of the Nagas.”

Calling on party members to help people access central schemes and skill programmes, Rio said financial excuses were no longer justified.

He pointed to NPSC and NSSB as avenues of merit-based recruitment. “Meritocracy is our party manifesto,” he said, urging the party to work on empowering youth and women at the grassroots.

CEC resolutions

The CEC passed several resolutions, including endorsing the merger of the two political parties “in the paramount interest of the Naga people,” creation of separate divisions for Meluri, Chümoukedima and Shamator, and formation of a party constitution amendment committee.

The CEC also authorised the president to constitute a central finance committee, reiterated support for an “honourable, acceptable and inclusive” political solution to the Naga issue, and endorsed the National Cabinet resolution of January 6, 2025, seeking consideration of the re-imposed Protected Area Permit (PAP).