NPF held a seminar-cum-workshop in Kohima on political communication, social media outreach, legal awareness, grassroots engagement and organisational preparedness.
DIMAPUR — The Naga People's Front (NPF) on Friday organised a seminar-cum-workshop for its press bureau, central frontal wings and cells at the party's central headquarters in Kohima, focusing on political communication, public outreach, legal awareness, grassroots engagement and organisational preparedness.
Addressing the gathering, NPF Secretary General and Advisor Achumbemo Kikon said party workers must have a clear understanding of government policies, programmes and development initiatives to communicate them effectively to the public, the NPF press bureau stated in a press release.
He stressed that allegations raised by the Opposition should be met with timely and factual responses, warning that delayed clarifications could allow opposing narratives to gain ground.
He said the responsibility of communicating the government's work should extend from the central office to divisions, areas, town wards, frontal organisations and cells.
Kikon also called for a more professional and responsive approach to social media, particularly in engaging younger voters. He urged systematic use of digital platforms while distinguishing between issues requiring immediate response and those that should first be verified before issuing a considered reply.
On the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendment issue, he said party workers should explain that the matter remains before the Joint Parliamentary Committee and has not reached a final resolution.
Regarding the Vande Mataram issue, Kikon urged workers to explain the relevance of Article 371A and the legislative process so that participation or non-participation in national programmes is not wrongly attributed to the state government or the party.
On the Frontier Naga Territory Authority (FNTA) and Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) issues, he called for clear explanations of the state government's role and the legal procedures involved.
He also referred to the establishment of the Department of Development of Underdeveloped Areas in 2003 as part of the party's historical focus on eastern Nagaland.
Kikon further called for active preparations for the NPF foundation day on October 21, urging all organisational structures to participate in strengthening unity and organisational functioning.
NPF Press Secretary Atou Liezietsu described the press bureau as the party's official communication channel with the media and public, emphasising the principle of "One Party, One Voice, One Channel."
He urged divisions, frontal organisations and cells to route central policy matters through the bureau to prevent confusion and misrepresentation.
Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Ayieno Kechü said political communication should be continuous rather than limited to election periods and should also serve as a means of receiving public feedback.
NPF Vice President Lanukaba spoke on the historical circumstances surrounding the party's formation, referring to the Naga People's Convention and the events leading to the 16-Point proposal.
He said disagreements over the participation of underground representatives resulted in divisions among Naga leaders and later led to the formation of the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) under A. Kevichusa, which was registered with the Election Commission of India in December 1963.
Social Media Co-Convenor Janbemo Humtsoe emphasised strengthening social media teams at divisional and constituency levels and urged members to verify news before sharing it.
Legal Cell Convenor Dr. Povotso Lohe said the cell would provide legal guidance on court cases, election petitions, constitutional matters and internal party issues.
He announced plans to establish legal cells in all 17 NPF divisions and conduct legal awareness programmes on the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Model Code of Conduct and Article 371A.
Minority Wing President Bishnu Bhattacharjee advocated year-round grassroots engagement, particularly in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima, with greater participation of youth and women.
Public Grievances Cell Convenor Z Neikuo Lhousa highlighted the cell's role in conveying genuine public concerns to the party leadership, while Medical Cell Convenor Dr. Kaito Jakhalu proposed organising medical camps for underserved communities, subject to party approval.
Central Farmers' Wing President Y. Vikheho Swu called for stronger support for agriculture and village livelihoods, promoting awareness of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and proposing vegetable hubs across all 60 Assembly constituencies to improve market access for local farmers.