The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Shamator Division Office was formally opened on January 7, marking an important step in strengthening the party’s organizational presence in the Shamator Division.

Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and Secretary General of NPF in his speech  said he had a fruitful discussion with the district administration, followed by meetings with the Shamator Town Public Forum and all ward unions, where key issues concerning urban development and the environment were deliberated.

Highlighting that Shamator is a new town and a new district, Kikon stressed the need for planned development from the very beginning. He urged the public to think collectively and generously about the future, particularly in road expansion. He appealed to landowners to contribute two to three feet of land wherever possible to widen roads, stating that wider roads would ensure better connectivity, improved parking facilities, and overall convenience for everyone.

“Shamator should become a model district, and someone has to start this initiative. It should be our NPF party. We must lead by example,” he said.

Assuring party members, Kikon said that on behalf of the Chief Minister Dr Rio and NPF President, efforts would be made to identify a reasonably priced plot of land for the party. He urged party members to collaboratively look for a suitable plot, adding that NPF intends to build a permanent party office in Shamator.

He noted that NPF already has party offices in almost all districts, with multiple offices in Wokha, Kohima, Mon and Tuensang, and emphasized that Shamator should also have a permanent office. “Once a building is erected, it belongs to the community and not to any individual,” he said.

Kikon reiterated the party’s founding philosophy, reminding members that NPF’s motto, “Fide Non Armis” (By faith, not by arms), remains central to its ideology. He stressed that all conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and by sitting across the table, as envisioned by the party’s founding elders who sought to resolve the Naga political issue through peaceful and political means.

Recalling history, he spoke about the 1964 ceasefire, when the party—then known as the Democratic Party of Nagaland—along with the Church, played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the Government of India. He highlighted the sacrifice of the 12 elected members who resigned after the ceasefire, declaring that they had entered politics not for personal gain but to resolve the Naga issue.

He traced the party’s evolution through various names over the decades, noting that while the nomenclature changed seven times, the flag colours—blue, white and red—the cock symbol, and the motto “Fide Non Armis” have never changed. “Names have changed, but our objectives and ideology have remained the same,” he asserted.

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Kikon said NPF has expanded beyond Nagaland, with five MLAs in Manipur, and organizational presence in Arunachal Pradesh, with efforts underway in Assam as well. He described NPF as a mature, respectable and grassroots-rooted regional party, noting that it is the oldest party in the Northeast.

He informed that NPF currently has 34 MLAs in Nagaland and five in Manipur, expressing optimism that the party would return to power and continue working for the welfare of the people, not personal interests. He urged party workers to remain humble, responsible and transparent in all their activities.

Highlighting infrastructure concerns, Kikon shared his experience of travelling through the Huker and Chessore village road, during which he discussed road conditions with the Engineer-in-Chief. He pointed out that people of Shamator currently travel via Tuensang, Mokokchung and Wokha to reach Kohima, but if the alternative road is developed, they could travel via Zunheboto and Phek, saving nearly four hours of travel time.

He said he had requested that the road be repaired at least to the extent that small vehicles can ply, which would greatly benefit the public. Referring to the PM DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region) scheme, Kikon said a proposal had been made earlier but was not considered. He informed that he and MLA and Advisor Keoshu Yimkhiung have discussed ways to take the project forward.

“I will take up this matter with the Chief Minister,” Kikon assured, reiterating NPF’s commitment to development, peace and the long-term welfare of the people of Nagaland.

MLA and Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Shamator, Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his short speech highlighted the political landscape of Eastern Nagaland during the 2023 Assembly elections and called for greater unity and coordination among party workers to strengthen the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

Yimkhiung said that during the 2023 elections, the eastern region had a total of 20 Assembly seats, of which 11 were from Longleng and Mon districts and 9 constituencies from the remaining areas of the Tuensang region. He clarified that among the 11 seats, 9 were from Mon and 2 from Longleng.

Recalling his role during the elections, Yimkhiung stated that he was a junior member at that time. He noted that out of the nine constituencies in the Tuensang region, only two were NDPP.  In this context, he said he had reminded Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio that at least six out of the nine constituencies should be brought under the NPF fold.

He further expressed confidence that more constituencies could be brought into NPF by working collaboratively with neighbouring constituencies, stressing that political coordination was key to strengthening the party’s base in the region.

Describing the Tuensang region, Yimkhiung remarked that the nine constituencies function like “one kitchen,” indicating close political and social inter-linkages. However, he added that the situation in the Longleng and Mon belt remains less familiar, requiring deeper engagement and understanding.

Highlighting the party’s history, Yimkhiung recalled that the first NDPP office was opened in Shamator after the formation of the party. He said this milestone has been officially recorded in the NDPP central office records and duly acknowledged.

Yimkhiung further urged NPF members to work together in unity, emphasizing that collective effort and cooperation are essential for political growth and regional development.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Y Tokiu, President of NPF Shamator, who welcomed party leaders, workers and well-wishers. The office was dedicated through a prayer offered by Rev R Thankiu, Pastor of STBC, invoking God’s blessings for the party and its activities in the division.

Following the dedication, an interaction session with the Division Office bearers was held.

A vote of thanks delivered by Chelula, President of the NPF Women Wing, Shamator Division.  The programme ended with a benediction pronounced by Mass, marking the formal conclusion of the opening ceremony.