People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) today called upon the Government of India and the negotiating parties in the Indo-Naga peace process to take sincere measures to carry forward the ongoing dialogue to its logical conclusion.

The PDA held a meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the BJP Legislature Party, Y Patton; Benjamin Yepthomi, President, BJP Nagaland; Abu Metha, Secretary General, NDPP; Rusemtong Longkumer, Senior Vice President, NDPP; Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and Secretary General, NPF and Apong Pongener, President, NPF.

The meeting urged that the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue must be negotiated in a manner that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable to the people.

The house also expressed its appreciation to the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the continued support and commitment towards the all-round development of the state of Nagaland.

The house also welcomed the decision of the Naga People’s Party (NPF) to officially join the PDA and resolved to accept the NPF as a full-fledged partner of the alliance.

It also appreciated the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its guidance, support and positive decision in endorsing the inclusion of the NPF as a partner of the PDA.

Achumbemo highlights Naga unity, smooth merger of NPF with PDA

Addressing media persons after the PDA meeting, MLA and general secretary of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon highlighted that the objective of the NPF supporting the PDA Government for the past two and half years is to take the Naga peace process forward and to send a strong message to the Naga people that “if there is political will and desire to come together, there’s a possibility”.

“We have come together in the form of opposition less Government,” Achumbemo said.

Sending a strong message to the Nagas, he mentioned that Nagas must come together, and clarified that there is a difference between supporting the government and being inside it. Underscoring the recent move of Apong Pongener, President of NPF, issuing an ordinance that the party shall now officially be part of the PDA government led by the Chief Minister, the MLA noted that the letter was formally handed over to Rio as the leader of the PDA Legislative Party.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

“In pursuance of the communication and ordinance issued by the President, and following the submission of the letter to the leader, the Chief Minister convened a meeting today. Present were Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the BJP Legislature Party; Benjamin Yepthomi, President BJP Nagaland; Abu Metha, Secretary General of NDPP; Rüsemtong Longkumer, Senior Vice President of NDPP; and Apong Pongener, President NPF,” he said.

Achumbemo stated that the meeting passed resolutions to continue the alliance with BJP and collectively pursue the Nagaland peace process. Highlighting the NPF’s concerns, he said the party is working to bring NDPP and NPF together into a strong regional political entity—a unified front that every Naga people desires.

He noted that talks between the two parties are going on, with a culmination expected on October 21. Achumbemo acknowledged the support of the Naga public, prayers from church leaders, and good wishes from elders, including former Chief Minister and NPF President Dr. Shurozelie.

He assured that the merger is proceeding smoothly, stating that the party has been cautiously and meticulously observing even the technical procedural aspect of merger and all the aspects which are outlined in both parties’ constitution.

Achumbemo also hoped a smooth transition of responsibility, even in the party’s organizational structure.

The MLA also stated that a divided house cannot stand and therefore two political party synchronising into one is itself would be a very effective body. He said that the party would have the opinion from every nook and corner, from the grassroots to the urban areas and also they would have people affiliated to the party, across the length and bread of the Naga homeland.

“You are aware that the NPF has its jurisdiction, not only in the Nagaland state, but even in Manipur, as well as in Arunachal Pradesh, where Nagas are predominantly inhabited,” he noted .

Achumbemo further stated that the merger would definitely be very effective because it would be a conglomeration of a lot of people, both young and old and from the grassroots, as well as from the urban areas.

“When that kind of Naga people come together, definitely, we can make a big difference, and we will continue as we have been working,” he added.

Achumbemo also said that the party will continue to work for the Naga people, to take the Naga peace process forward keeping in mind few agenda of this government and continue to pursue forward.