Apong Pongener along with other NPF officials after the
meeting in Jalukie town.
- DIMAPUR — President
of Naga People's Front (NPF), Apong Pongener, has called for intensified
efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots during his recent meetings in
Peren and Dimapur districts.
- Speaking at a gathering in Jalukie under Peren district,
Pongener reminded the party workers that NPF is the oldest regional party in
the northeast and the second oldest in India. He reassured that even though NPF
currently has only two MLAs in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, its strength
remains firmly rooted at the grassroots.
- "This is the time to strengthen the party," he
asserted, encouraging workers to launch an enrollment drive in the Tening and
Peren constituencies and to identify capable and influential leaders.
- "If this is done, candidates will ultimately
come," he added.
- Reflecting on his 53 years of service in the party, Pongener
acknowledged its ups and downs but emphasised that NPF continues to thrive
because it is deeply rooted in the Naga political issue. He recalled the sacrifices
made by party pioneers such as Kevichüsa Angami and Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu
during times of political turmoil.
- He also highlighted the party’s role in bringing about the
ceasefire, registering with the Election Commission of India and even boycotting
elections in pursuit of an honourable and inclusive permanent solution to Naga
political issue.
- Pongener further noted that while the party's name has
changed seven times over the years, its core motto ‘Fide Non Armis’ (By Faith,
Not by Arms), remains unchanged. He pointed out that the NPF, formerly known as
the Nagaland People’s Front, was renamed to accommodate Nagas in Arunachal
Pradesh and Manipur.
- At the NPF Dimapur division meeting, Pongener reflected on
his long service, saying, "Over fifty years of service—I cannot run away
from responsibilities. In politics, you cannot afford to be small-hearted.
Today may be the worst era for the party, but anything good can happen in
politics if we work hard and strengthen the organization."
