The Naga Rising (TNR) has expressed regret over the merger of the Rising People’s Party (RPP) with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), saying the party was created to offer Nagaland an alternative political platform but could not sustain itself due to prevailing circumstances.

In a statement, TNR said the RPP was formed on its initiative to meet the long-felt need for meaningful political transformation in the state. While the party was intended to function as an independent political entity, it remained organically linked to TNR, which served as its parent body.

The organisation said a group of TNR members led by Joel Naga had been entrusted with the responsibility of building the party, while the TNR was expected to guide and support its functioning.

However, TNR admitted that because of its own ‘limitations’, particularly ‘resource’ constraints, it could not provide the level of support required to strengthen the party.

“We admit our own failures,” the organisation stated.

According to TNR, when the proposal for the RPP’s merger was brought before it, the organisation advised the party leadership to explore every possible option to keep the party alive. It, however, acknowledged that the prevailing political situation and circumstances may have left the leadership with no viable alternative but to proceed with the merger.

“We feel sorry that it had to be this way,” the statement said.

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TNR also acknowledged the dedication, selfless service and sacrifices of the RPP rank and file, noting that despite sincere efforts, the party was unable to sustain itself.

It wished the former RPP members success in their new political journey and expressed hope that they would remain committed to fighting systemic issues detrimental to the welfare of the people.

Reaffirming its own commitment, TNR said it would continue to uphold the vision that led to the formation of the RPP.

The organisation reiterated its goal of establishing “a political paradigm that defines power with morality, a social order that upholds justice for all and equality before law, a civic governance based on accountability and transparency, and a citizenry that is aware of its rights and respects its obligations.”

TNR also assured the younger generation that these ideals would continue to guide its future efforts toward political and social transformation in Nagaland.