The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday stressed the effective implementation of government schemes, improved last-mile delivery, and stronger grassroots coordination during a seminar held at its central headquarters in Kohima.
The seminar, attended by party legislators and leaders, focused on key policy areas including agriculture reforms, digitisation of the Public Distribution System (PDS), land resource development, and the importance of accurate census and electoral processes.
MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan said a comprehensive agriculture policy, recently approved by the Cabinet and passed in the Assembly, aims to transform Nagaland’s farming from subsistence to a market-oriented and climate-resilient system.
Noting that nearly 70 per cent of the population depends on agriculture, he emphasized mechanization, scientific farming, and youth participation, and announced the introduction of seven new high-yielding, climate-resilient rice varieties.
MLA and Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, KT Sukhalu said the state has shifted to a Smart PDS from May 2025, enabling full digitisation and real-time monitoring. He said Aadhaar-based authentication through ePOS devices has been made mandatory, manual distribution has been stopped, and households earning above ₹2.5 lakh annually will be excluded from free ration categories.
MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, G Ikuto Zhimomi outlined initiatives in watershed development, spring rejuvenation, and expansion of plantation crops, projecting significant economic potential in scaling up coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares and rubber to 30,000 hectares. He also stressed non-politicized beneficiary selection and coordination with district officials.
Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir called for full participation in the national census and accurate electoral roll verification, describing them as key responsibilities of party workers. He also emphasized the role of self-help groups in welfare delivery and flagged weak grassroots participation as a concern.
In his keynote address, MLA and Secretary General, Achumbemo Kikon welcomed party leaders, elected members, and representatives of party wings and cells. Conveying greetings from the party leadership, he said the meeting was convened to strengthen coordination and interaction across all levels.
He stressed that grassroots outreach is central to electoral success. Recent tours tested the party’s strength and loyalty, with workers playing a key role in converting public support into votes, he said.
With elections approaching, he called for better use of time and stronger leadership and coordination at the central, divisional, and constituency levels.
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Reminding leaders of the party’s foundation, Kikon said the NPF’s objective went beyond gaining authority. “Any political party is to wrestle power, to command the people, to take over the government. But our party goes beyond that. We formed this party to protect the interests of our people, to look after the welfare of our people, and furthermore, to defend our land, our rights, including our family. That is the core philosophy of this party.”
Later, in his concluding remarks, Achumbemo Kikon strongly raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise based solely on population, terming it unfair to smaller states like Nagaland. He said the state has remained with only one Member of Parliament for nearly six decades and argued that such an approach ignores historical, political, and tribal realities.
Kikon said Nagaland, being a special state formed under unique political circumstances, deserves enhanced parliamentary representation, and called for a broader consensus by engaging tribal leaders to build a common stand. He warned that population-based redistribution could marginalize smaller states in an expanded Lok Sabha, reducing their voice in national decision-making.
He also reiterated the party’s full support for women’s reservation and stressed the need for unity and awareness among party members on key policy issues. Highlighting fiscal constraints, he said a major portion of the state budget is consumed by salaries and fixed expenditures, leaving limited scope for development activities.
The programme was chaired by Working President of the Central Youth Wing Lhouvi Punyü, with an invocation by Ahino Tep, President of Tseminyu Division. Achung N Phom, General Secretary of the Central Women Wing, was part of the proceedings, while special numbers were presented by Lolia Ngouri Pochury and Themshao P. Khiamniungan.
The seminar concluded with a benediction by Y Tokiu, President of Shamator Division, followed by an interaction session on implementation challenges and strategies.
