NPF takes pledge on 64th foundation day

Our CorrespondentKohima | October 21The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken pledge during its 64th Foundation Day at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on October 21. The pledge was administered by NPF President Emeritus Chingwang Konyak.The party rank and file of the party have taken pledge to honour and salute the pioneers of the Party for their far-sighted vision and sacrifices for the Naga people in particular and the indigenous peoples of the Northeast in general.It took pledge to uphold the aim and objectives of the Party as enshrined in the Party Constitution, to uphold democratic values and remain committed to the Party's endeavours to promote peace in our land and beyond.“I shall remain steadfast in the ideology of the Party and shall not deviate from its principles under any circumstances. I shall continue to uphold and stand by the Party's policies and programmes on all matters and issues. The Party's motto, "Fide Non Armis-By Faith, Not Arms," shall remain my guiding principle in all aspects of my service to the people,” the pledge stated.The NPF leaders and workers also took pledge to steadfastly support and stand by the Party leadership in all situations and circumstances.‘Renew our vision for the future’“Sixty- four years is a long journey. The NPF is not merely one of the oldest regional parties in the entire northeast region; it is a political movement that has been closely associated with the history of modern Nagaland and the aspirations of the Naga people,” said NPF president & Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said in this address.Dr Rio said that the 64th Foundation Day must also be an occasion for us to renew our vision for the future.“We should not be content with merely receiving the benefits of India’s growth. We must aspire to contribute to that growth through our human resources, our natural strengths, our culture, our creativity, our entrepreneurship and our young talents. We must have the confidence to believe that that small state like Nagaland can also make a significant contribution to the country and to the world,” Dr Rio said.NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said “Our pioneers, the founders of this party, have envisaged a vision that is sound, bright, for the Naga people in particular, and for the people who love democracy in general, to organise a party to take the party and the Naga people forward.”Stressing on the need to walk the talk, he said “We have to lead our people by example. We cannot only keep talking, shouting, people must come together, we must reconcile, we must unite.”The NPF have 39 MLAs from Nagaland Legislative Assembly, and five from Manipur Legislative Assembly, totalling 44 elected members at present.Also speaking on the occasion, Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho saluted the pioneers and NPF leadership who carried the party thus far.“Our party, NPF, in the State of Manipur, performed diligently with the vision of NPF and the people of Manipur slowly come to understand the integrity and commitment of NPF,” he said adding that “Today, we are respected as one of the most common, strong and supportive of peace in Manipur. Even our coalition partner, the BJP, they honour us as their strongest partner and unwavering partner.”Other who spoke at the foundation day included; ministers CL John, Metsubo Jamir, KG Kenye and G Kaito Zeliang while message from Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang also read out at the programme, Pusazo Luruo, NPF working president shared the brief history of the party while NPF working president Abu Metha proposed vote of thanks. NPF working president H Chuba Chang chaired the programme while Ate Kevichusa & Ninoto Awomi assisted as comperes.Rev Izieteilung Terieng, state chaplain and NPF working president Ahovi Zhimomi pronounced invocation and benediction prayer respectively.