‘Resolution of Naga issue our top priority,’ says NPF’s Achumbemo Kikon

KOHIMA — The Secretary General of Naga People’s Front (NPF), Achumbemo Kikon, on Friday reiterated that an early and honourable resolution to the Naga political issue remains the party’s top priority, while urging members to work collectively to strengthen the organisation.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected central office bearers, central executive council members, core committee members, frontals and cells in Kohima, Kikon reminded party workers that the NPF was formed on October 21, 1963, under the chairmanship of A Kevichusa.

He noted that the party, which now has the incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland as its president, is the second oldest regional party in the country and the oldest in the Northeast.

Informing that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had been notified of the party’s post-election leadership changes on October 23, 2025, Kikon said the party had fulfilled all procedural requirements as per its constitution and is awaiting further communication from the poll body.

Also read: Nagas never consented to be part of Indian Union, says Achumbemo Kikon

He called upon members to take pride in the party’s legacy, stating that the NPF “fights every day for the cause of the Nagas and is now respected by everyone.” He challenged party workers to take it as their “responsibility and duty” to uplift the organisation.

Explaining the difference between primary and active membership, Kikon said that active members bear the responsibility of office bearers and must remain engaged in electoral politics and build support bases.

While assuring that he would work closely with all members, Kikon acknowledged that the merger of two regional parties might necessitate amendments to the party’s constitution but affirmed that the Ninth Amendment would continue to be in use for now.

He also emphasised that the NPF is a “disciplined party,” where decisions ultimately rest with the working committee and the president when consensus cannot be reached. “Whatever the president decides is almost final,” he stated.

Kikon reminded members of the party’s sacrifices for the Naga cause and reiterated its readiness to “step down any moment” if an honourable solution is arrived at.

Highlighting the importance of coordination between the elected members and the organisation, he said the new NPF team would ensure “strict coordination and cohesion” and called for unity among workers. “There should be no groupism but only unity,” he stated, while encouraging the women and youth wings to remain proactive.

Kikon also informed that the party’s central office would shift to its new premises at Secretariat–High Court Road, Kohima, from November 1. The old office, he said, would be allocated to the Kohima division and other central offices.

Speaking at the event, Working President Ahovi Zhimomi urged members to work harder at the grassroots and “for the betterment of the Naga people,” stressing the need for permanent peace in the state.

Another Working President, H Chuba Chang, lamented the prevailing disunity among the Naga political groups and civil society organisations, but said the merger of two regional parties was a step towards unity. He reminded office bearers of their “great responsibility” and called for sacrifice rather than dependence on elected members.

The oath-taking was administered by Pusazo Luruo, Working President of the NPF.