NDPP-NPF union draws closer as NPF sets general convention on Oct 21 -
Sonali Halder, BS News Agency Correspondent Kohima: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday decided to convene its general convention on October 21 following its Central Office Bearers (COB) meeting at the party headquarters in Kohima, further solidifying the course of merging together with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
NPF secretary general and MLA Achumbemo Kikon confirmed the development and said the NPF general convention will be held on October 21 in Kohima, coinciding with the party’s 63rd foundation day. He said the decision was taken in pursuance of the party constitution, which empowers the COB to decide the date and venue of the convention
Kikon mentioned that the COB during the meeting, adopted four resolutions reaffirming the stand of the party’s Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting held on September 6 appealing to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the NDPP leadership to work together in strengthening the regional force. He said the NDPP had on its part, also convened its Central Executive Board meeting on September 12 and resolved to hold its General Convention on October 18.
Kikon maintained that the October 21 convention will be “historic” as it would not only coincide with the NPF’s foundation day but also mark a significant moment in efforts to bring together like-minded regional forces. He said NPF president Apong Pongener had expressed willingness to retire from his seat to pave the way for a new organizational setup.
The NPF leader and legislator also asserted that the NPF-NDPP understanding is not conditional, but founded on the shared vision of strengthening regionalism and safeguarding Naga aspirations.
He stated that the party has “stood the test of time” and continues to remain deeply rooted across Naga areas despite present challenges.
The NPF COB while finalising the date of the convention, called upon the Naga public to uphold the party in prayers.
Kikon also hinted that once things are finalised, since the NPF president had expressed his desire to retire, a new team of office bearers would be constituted from both members of NPF and NDPP. He said that there was complete consensus on retaining the party’s name and symbol, stressing that these carried “deep significance for the Naga people.”
“The NPF is the second-oldest regional political party in India and the oldest in the Northeast. Its symbol and legacy are beyond dispute,” he cited.
On whether the ongoing merger move was an attempt to revive the party which currently has only two legislators, Kikon disagreed. He stated that the NPF remains active in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and continues to command support across Naga-inhabited areas. He said since 1964, except for the 1998 election boycott in support of the peace process, the NPF has consistently had elected representatives in the Nagaland Assembly.
Kikon also added that a 30-day notice to active members would be issued immediately in accordance with the party constitution and guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
With regard to the recent resignation of former Manipur NPF MP Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, he said Pfoze’s tenure had brought embarrassment to the NPF due to controversies, including disqualification over filing a wrong affidavit. “Now that he has left, we only hope he does not embarrass the party he has chosen to join,” Kikon said.