Neiphiu Rio calls for Naga unity, hails NDPP-NPF merger as historic

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday called for Naga unity, stating that it is the only way forward and must rise above everything else.

He was addressing the 6th general convention of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) held at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.

Rio said, “Today we are at a new juncture, a time of emotional significance, as we embark on a new journey. This merger with the NPF is not just a strategic political decision; it is a step to stand for a shared vision—one strong regional party that can better represent the aspirations of our people and address the long-pending Naga political issue more effectively.”

The chief minister expressed hope that if the two regional parties come together, people would join in greater numbers and that the government of India would also recognise and respect the Naga people more.

“Today’s convention also sends out a powerful message to one and all that the cause of our people and the quest for Naga unity must always rise above everything else,” Rio said.

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

He asserted that if political parties, despite contesting elections against each other, can unite in the interest of the people, then surely others too can follow this path. “The message is crystal clear—unity is the only way forward,” he added.

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While the NDPP had resolved to merge with the NPF, embarking on a new chapter, Rio made a fervent appeal to all party members to continue working with renewed dedication as members of a united family.

Terming the merger decision as “historic and emotional,” he said, “We are writing a new chapter in the political history of Nagaland—a chapter that embodies reconciliation, unity, and collective strength.”

He assured that together they would work for a stronger, more prosperous future for the state and its people.

Rio also expressed gratitude to the party leadership for continuously supporting him through challenging phases of his political journey and for enabling him and other legislators to win the confidence of the people. “Your unconditional support has been the driving force to carry on,” he said.

Recollecting the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Rio maintained that the party candidate contested under circumstances beyond anyone’s control, adding that he does not blame anybody but hopes that people will “realise and think twice.”

He said that there is currently no regional voice in Parliament from Nagaland, yet remained optimistic that better times will come if the party works hard together.

The chief minister reiterated that the NPF had passed a resolution appealing to him, the party, and the people in government—including all past members—to take over the NPF and rebuild the historic party, which is 62 years old, the first regional party in the Northeast and the second oldest in the country.

Read more: NDPP-NPF to continue alliance with BJP post merger — Achumbemo Kikon

He said that the NDPP is stepping into the historic political party, the NPF, which he personally described as the “parent party—the platform where he began his political career in 1974 and through which he has now completed 51 years in politics.

Rio also highlighted the political history of the NPF, formed on October 21, 1963, under the presidency of A Kevichusa.

He recalled that the NPF was the first regional party in the Northeast to form an alliance with the BJP, calling it a necessity, and recounted his political journey that eventually led to the formation of the NDPP in 2017.

The chief minister also referred to the recent closure of the legal case concerning the deregistration of NDPP. As the appellant had passed away, the court dismissed the case, he said, adding that the NDPP now has no liabilities and that no one can allege wrongdoing even as it merges with or takes over the NPF.

Also, Rio called for collective efforts to work together for a stronger and more prosperous future for the state and its people.