KOHIMA — Naga People's Front (NPF) president Apong Pongener on Monday urged party members to reinvent their thoughts and ideas to rejuvenate the party and reclaim its past glory.
He made this statement while addressing the party's 62nd foundation day celebration at the NPF central office in Kohima.
He noted that the NPF has been synonymous with the Naga identity for the last 61 years and recalled that on October 21, 1963, a group of visionary Naga leaders, under the leadership of A Kevichüsa, organised the first-ever Naga regional political party in the newly established Nagaland state, marking the beginning of this journey.
"Today, we are proud to be members of the oldest regional political party in Northeast India and the second oldest in India after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of Tamil Nadu," he said.
Pongener acknowledged that the party is going through a challenging phase but reminded party members that they have faced worse challenges in the past. He urged concerted efforts to stand firm for the party's survival.
He stressed that this challenging period should not be marked by negativity, blind criticism, or internal accusations, but rather a time for all party members to contribute their efforts.
Pongener noted that despite changes in its nomenclature, the original ideologies, aims, objectives, symbol (Rooster), and motto (Fide non Armis) remain unchanged. He pointed out that while many regional political parties have come and gone, the NPF has stood the test of time and is now celebrating its 62nd Foundation Day.
"We may be at the lowest point of our popularity, but I want to remind party leaders and members that everything in this world goes through periods of recession and recovery. I believe we are in a time of recession today, but the party will eventually recover and come back to power," said the president, adding that it is all part of a natural cycle.
Paying tribute to past party presidents, he also acknowledged the contributions of the two legislators representing the party in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the five legislators from Manipur.
He commended them for their efforts in keeping the party's flag flying high and also recognised the party workers from the central office down to the village units for their continuous support in sustaining the party.
He further called upon party members to unite and dedicate themselves once again to working harder with a spirit of sacrifice.
The leader of the NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, on the occasion urged party members to make sacrifices during difficult times so that they will be rewarded during good times.
He encouraged party members to stay active and avoid complacency, stressing the importance of hard work. Nienu called for the concerted efforts of all party members to rebuild the party.
Meanwhile, MLA and NPF secretary general, Achumbemo Kikon, stated that the party cannot be shaken by any force, as it has withstood the test of time.
Kikon asserted that the NPF is neither a small nor a weak party, as it has a strong foundation and remains committed to the Naga political solution. He reiterated that the party was formed to safeguard the interests of the Nagas and work toward an honourable, lasting, and peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.
He further affirmed that the Naga people still trust the NPF, and that the party will continue to survive.
On the occasion, the party also honoured Padma Shree Sano Vamuzo. She emphasised the NPF's motto, which means "By faith, not by arms," and noted that it is rooted in Naga nationalism. She encouraged party members to remain strong-hearted amidst the paradigm shifts occurring around the world.
She added that the NPF is unique among the many political parties across India and stressed the importance of unity and synergy within the party.