KOHIMA, Oct 21: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Wednesday renewed its call for an honourable and acceptable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue, with party president and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urging unity among Naga stakeholders and stronger party organisation ahead of the next elections.
Addressing the NPF’s 64th Foundation Day celebrations at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima, Rio said the party would continue to facilitate the peace process while pursuing development, employment and better public services.
He said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the party’s journey and remember the sacrifices of its founding leaders and grassroots workers.
Founded more than six decades ago, the NPF is among the Northeast’s oldest regional political parties and has remained closely associated with Nagaland’s political history, Rio said.
Rio urges stakeholders to put Naga aspirations first
Rio said lasting peace was essential for Nagaland’s progress and called on all parties involved in the Indo-Naga negotiations to demonstrate sincerity, understanding and accommodation.
He said the NPF government was working with the Centre and other stakeholders to facilitate a solution, although it was not a negotiating party in the ongoing dialogue between the Government of India and Naga political groups.
Rio urged tribal bodies, civil society organisations, churches, student groups, women, youth and political parties to work collectively towards peace, cautioning that differences should not come in the way of the shared aspirations of the Naga people.
The party’s philosophy, he said, was rooted in pursuing honour, dignity and respect through peaceful and democratic means. He also reaffirmed the significance of its Cock symbol and motto, “Fide Non Armis” — By Faith, Not Arms.
Development must continue alongside peace talks
Rio said Nagaland could not put development on hold while the political negotiations continued.
He stressed the need to expand employment opportunities, strengthen healthcare and education, support agriculture and entrepreneurship, and equip young people with skills.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme, Nagaland Startup Policy, Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme and Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission.
He also cited the establishment of Nagaland’s first medical college, the Nagaland Staff Selection Board and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland as steps towards strengthening institutions, improving recruitment and encouraging economic growth.
Acknowledging that challenges remained, Rio said the government would continue working towards transparent governance and inclusive development, ensuring that no district or community was left behind.
Rio expresses solidarity with violence-hit Manipur
Rio also expressed concern over the violence in neighbouring Manipur, referring to the loss of innocent lives, destruction of villages, displacement and suffering.
He conveyed solidarity with affected people and called for reconciliation, restoration of trust and lasting peace.
“The suffering of Naga people, wherever they might be, cannot be ignored,” he said, expressing hope that normalcy would return to Manipur and communities would be able to live together in safety and dignity.
NPF calls for stronger grassroots organisation
With the next elections approaching, Rio called for strengthening the party across Nagaland’s 60 Assembly constituencies and urged workers to remain connected with the public.
He welcomed legislators, leaders and members who had recently joined or merged with the NPF, saying the party was open to those committed to its principles and the welfare of the Naga people.
Rio also acknowledged the party’s political association with the BJP, tracing their cooperation to the formation of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland after the 2003 Assembly elections.
He urged the party’s women’s and youth wings to take a greater role in its future, stressing the need to nurture young leaders and increase women’s participation.
The NPF’s strength, he said, lay in its connection with ordinary people, and party leaders and workers should remain accessible, humble and responsive to public needs.
The programme was chaired by Working President H. Chuba Chang. Pusazo Luruo, also a working president, presented a brief history of the party, followed by tributes to its founding leaders and predecessors.
Ministers C. L. John, Metsübo Jamir, K. G. Kenye and G. Kaito Aye, along with Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, delivered short speeches.
The celebrations concluded with the administration of the party pledge by President Emeritus Chingwang Konyak and a vote of thanks by Working President Abu Metha.
Rio congratulated party leaders, workers and supporters on the foundation day, calling for a united Naga community and a prosperous Nagaland.
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