Nagaland Chief Minister and newly elected President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dr Neiphiu Rio on Monday stated that  this day reminds us of our rich legacy, enduring values, and vision that have guided the Naga People’s Front for over six decades. He said this is a moment to celebrate their achievements and renew their commitment to serve the people with faith and purpose.

He said during the NPF General Convention cum 63rd foundation day held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, held alongside the party’s 63rd Foundation Day on October 21.

While giving glory to God Almighty for this historic and momentous day he said he was deeply grateful to the NPF leadership and every member for reposing their faith in me as President of the NPF and accepted this honour with humility and gratitude.

“The merger of the NPF and NDPP is far more than an organisational decision—it is the uniting of ideals, energies, and shared responsibilities. It reflects our common vision, mutual respect, and determination to build a stronger and more inclusive regional force that can effectively represent the aspirations of the Naga people and pursue an early and honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue,” he said.

He expressed his heartfelt thanks to Chingwang  Konyak and the NDPP family for their remarkable cooperation and commitment that made this merger seamless and complete and thanked Apong Pongener for his gracious leadership, which paved the way for this unification.

He also sent his sincere appreciation also to Y Patton, the BJP Legislature Party and alliance partners for their continued trust and cooperation, as well as to the NPF units in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh for their steadfast support.

Dr. Rio added that this was a joyous homecoming. “For those joining the party for the first time, it is a moment of pride to be part of a political movement that has shaped the Naga political journey. With this merger, our regional family stands stronger and more united than ever,” he said.

He highlighted that their journey began on October 21, 1963, with the formation of the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) under A Kevichüsa, evolving through several stages into what is today the Naga People’s Front—a party that has remained a steadfast guardian of Naga identity and aspirations.

He said that he began his political journey in this very party, then known as the “Cock Party,” serving in the youth wing before having the privilege of leading as Chief Minister and Member of Parliament. “Through trials and challenges, especially in the 1990s and early 2000s when the party symbol was frozen, we persevered it. Under the leadership of Vizol Angami, we reclaimed the Cock symbol and restored the party’s strength,” he disclosed.

He said their successive victories—19 seats in 2003, 26 in 2008, and a landslide of 38 seats in 2013, the largest mandate in Nagaland’s history—testify to the people’s enduring faith in their movement. “Though political differences led to the creation of the NDPP, today’s merger brings our journey full circle, symbolising renewal, unity, and reconciliation,” he said.

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“This merger—between a party with 32 MLAs and another with 2 MLAs—is indeed historic and unprecedented. It reflects their collective willingness to make sacrifices for Naga unity and the greater good. Let us not dwell on the past, but look ahead with hope and shared purpose,” he added.

He said their foremost priority remains the honourable and inclusive resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue, while also ensuring holistic development, economic growth, and social progress.

“We live in an age driven by technology and youth aspirations. The new generation demands meritocracy, efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Leadership today must be rooted in integrity, service, and adaptability. As a people’s party, we must evolve with innovation and creativity—or risk being left behind. We must run at great speed simply to remain where we are,” he said .

He further said this successful completion of this merger marks the triumph of unity and reaffirmation of oneness. “Let us now chart a new vision and action plan to empower our people—especially the youth—to excel not only in our region but on the global stage,” he said and added that their goal must be to make Nagaland a truly developed state, built on merit, fairness, and excellence.

“With faith in God and trust in our people, I accept this responsibility with determination and hope. Together, we will move forward—for our people, for our land, and for our shared future,” he added.

He thanked every member for their faith and confidence. “Alone, I cannot succeed—but together, we can realise our shared dreams and collective aspirations, Rio added.”

He also appealed to all sections of Naga society to move forward with determination, conviction, and compassion, toward reconciliation, unity, and oneness. “Let us send forth the strongest message of Naga solidarity—a clarion call for the Naga family to unite and march forward as one,” he concluded.

Azo Nienu: “A day of destiny and legacy”

Delivering the welcome address, MLA and former NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu described the merger as a “profound homecoming” coinciding with the party’s foundation anniversary—a “turning point, a day of destiny and legacy” for Nagaland’s oldest regional party and the second oldest in India.

Recalling the party’s formation on October 21, 1963, as the Democratic Party of Nagaland, Azo said the NPF had always been the “guardian of the Naga soul,” dedicated to preserving Naga identity, culture, traditions, and customary laws while upholding the Indo-Naga political cause.

Paying tribute to pioneers A Kevichusa, T Sakhrie, Vizol, Megoto, T Aliba Imti, and Tajan, Azo said their vision for a unified regional voice must continue to guide the NPF toward lasting stability and justice.

Welcoming Dr. Rio as a “statesman and visionary leader” whose return to the NPF fold—along with the NDPP family under Chingwang Konyak—would bring “unparalleled experience and stability,” Azo commended their political maturity in prioritising unity over party interests.

Appealing to long-time NPF loyalists, Azo urged members to rise above bitterness or revenge, citing Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge… repay good for all the evil done to us.” He called for reconciliation, humility, and service, describing the merger as “the defining event of our 63-year journey.”

He said the unified front would strengthen recognition from the Government of India and advance the goal of an early political settlement. Urging support for Dr. Rio’s leadership “as one united family,” Azo said the merger was “divinely ordained and must be guided by love, compassion, honesty, and accountability.”

Achumbemo Kikon: “Faith, Not Arms”

Presenting the Secretary General’s Report, MLA Achumbemo Kikon thanked God for enabling members to gather for the “historic General Convention” on the 63rd Foundation Day.

Reviewing the party’s evolution since 1963, Kikon noted that although the NPF had changed its name seven times—from the Democratic Party of Nagaland to the Naga People’s Front—its symbol (the rooster) and motto, “Fide Non Armis” (By faith, not by arms), remained unchanged.

Highlighting the NPF’s presence in Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, Kikon said the party had rebounded from the 2023 election setback and now stood stronger with 39 MLAs—34 in Nagaland and 5 in Manipur—while governing 23 Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland.

He cited the party’s protest rallies in Mon, Noklak, and Meluri against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing, reaffirming that “Nagas are one and shall remain one.”

On the Naga political issue, Kikon reiterated the party’s stand for a “peaceful, honourable, acceptable, and inclusive settlement.” He said the merger of the two regional parties itself was a “powerful message of reconciliation and unity.”

Kikon also reaffirmed the NPF’s opposition to the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, cautioning that it could erode regional representation and foster “one-party dominance.”

He informed that the NPF had submitted memoranda to the Election Commission of India and the 16th Finance Commission, seeking enhanced developmental allocations for Nagaland in view of its unique challenges and delayed integration into national planning.

Citing a 1988 NNDP resolution calling for a single regional political party, Kikon said the merger fulfilled that long-cherished goal. Quoting Henry Ford, he remarked: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Apong Pongener: “A beacon of history in the making”

In his final address as President, Apong Pongener described the convention as “a beacon of history in the making” and a “triumphant resurgence” of the party after nearly eight years in opposition.

He said the Almighty had “granted the gift of unity long sought by the Naga people,” urging that such unity extend beyond politics to all sections of society, including Naga political groups.

Welcoming Dr. Rio, Chingwang Konyak, and their colleagues into the NPF fold, Pongener said their inclusion strengthened the NPF as a “singular, robust regional political party” committed to uplifting all Nagas and tribal communities across the Northeast.

Reflecting on the party’s journey—from 38 Assembly seats in 2013 to two in 2023—he said its grassroots strength and connection to Naga identity had ensured its survival through every phase. “The NPF is not merely a political entity; it is a movement for the Nagas,” he said, urging members to lead with innovation, integrity, and conviction.

The day-long convention concluded with the adoption of eight resolutions.

The program began with a Bible reading and prayer by Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, followed by solidarity messages from Happa Taidong, President of NPF Arunachal State Unit, and Awangbow Newmai, MLA and President of NPF Manipur State Unit.

Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon presided over the endorsement of the merger, after which Rev. Izieteilung Terieng, State Chaplain, offered an anointing prayer.

Pusazo Luho, Chairman of the Central Election Board, led the assembly in approving the Election Board’s recommendation through a show of hands. The Oath of Affirmation for the newly elected Central Office Bearers and Frontal Heads (2025–2030) was administered by outgoing President Apong Pongener.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by General Secretary H. Changlemba Chang, followed by a mass prayer.