The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected office bearers of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) was held at the party headquarters in Kohima on October 31, where senior leaders called for renewed unity, loyalty, and commitment to strengthen the party and uphold its founding ideals.

Delivering the keynote address, NPF secretary general, Achumbemo Kikon urged the new office bearers to uphold the discipline, values, and responsibilities entrusted to them. He reminded members that the party’s strength lay in collective effort and called for greater coordination between elected representatives and grassroots workers.

Paying tribute to NPF president and Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio, Kikon credited his “wisdom, courage, political acumen and love for the Naga people” for bringing the party together under a united platform. He expressed confidence that under Rio’s leadership, the NPF would continue to uphold its principles and serve the people with renewed purpose.

Recalling the party’s foundation on October 21, 1963, under the chairmanship of late A Kevichüsa, whom he described as “the first Naga graduate and a visionary leader,” Kikon noted that NPF had since been led by ten presidents, with Dr. Rio being the tenth. He said the party had always been guided by “sensible and committed leaders” working for the Naga cause.

Reiterating that NPF’s motto fide non armis (“by faith, not by arms”) continues to define its ideology, Kikon said the party’s stand for an “honourable and peaceful” resolution of the Naga political issue had remained consistent since its inception. He further traced the party’s evolution through seven name changes, from the Democratic Party of Nagaland in 1963 to its present form as the Naga People’s Front, while noting that its flag, motto, and symbol—the cock (morga)—have remained unchanged.

He explained that the cock symbol holds deep cultural meaning, representing vigilance and the awakening of a new day, and recalled that NPF had successfully fought to retain it after the Election Commission disallowed animal symbols for new parties.

Citing historical examples of sacrifice, Kikon reminded that NPF’s first legislators resigned in 1964 after achieving their goal of facilitating the ceasefire between Naga freedom fighters and the Government of India, and that the party boycotted the 1998 elections in response to public appeals during the peace process. “Our party has never stood for power but for peace,” he affirmed, reiterating that the NPF would not be a stumbling block if an honourable solution to the Naga issue was achieved.

He also briefed members on the party’s structure, saying that while primary membership is lifelong, active membership requires leadership and commitment, including leading at least 50 supporters. Office bearers, he added, are expected to have the backing of at least 100 members. He urged all leaders to give their time, cautioning, “If you cannot give time, you cannot blame the central office for not giving you assignments.”

Kikon further called on the youth and women wings to play proactive roles, describing them as the “backbone of the party,” and warned against factionalism and groupism. “There should be only one team, one family,” he emphasized.

He also informed that the party’s central office would be shifted to its new premises at Secred Road, Kohima, effective November 1, while the existing office would serve the Kohima Division for smaller meetings.

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Concluding his address, Kikon remarked, “A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what it is meant for,” urging members to “sail out and serve the Naga people with courage and conviction.”

Speaking briefly at the programme, NPF working president, Ahovi Zhimomi commended the party leadership and Chief Minister Rio for expanding NPF’s presence to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a “significant achievement” that reflects political maturity and vision. He urged members to “work very hard as political party workers,” to “strengthen the Chief Minister’s hand and the party’s government,” and to work for the collective welfare of the Naga people.

Zhimomi described the unity between NPF and NDPP as “two brothers coming together,” and encouraged members to work hand in hand from the grassroots to the top level. Stressing that NPF’s motto is peace, he expressed hope for “permanent peace in our land,” adding that true peace must come from the people themselves.

Also addressing the gathering, NPF working president, H Chuba Chang said the occasion was made possible by God’s grace. Sharing his political journey, he recalled joining NPF in 2016 and later moving to NDPP before rejoining NPF, saying that party allegiance often changes due to circumstances, but loyalty must remain constant.

He urged members to be sincere and steadfast, warning that using the name of the party while acting against its principles was wrong “in the eyes of both God and men.” Referring to the recent NPF–NDPP merger, Chang admitted that he initially faced “confusion and dilemma” but recognised it as “the wisdom of our leader” that made it possible.

He observed that Nagaland has one of the highest numbers of political factions, CSOs and NGOs, calling for unity “not just in words but in action.” He reminded that while the Nagas may be politically divided, their identity, culture and customs remain intact, and it was the responsibility of the Nagas in Nagaland to preserve this shared heritage.

Chang reminded the new office bearers that holding a designation comes with greater responsibility and sacrifice. “If you become too dependent, the party will never be strong,” he cautioned, urging everyone to work with understanding and unity. He concluded by calling on members to let God guide their efforts for the prosperity of the party.

Earlier, the oath of office was administered by working president, Pusazo Luruo. The programme was chaired by senior vice president Khongjah Konvak, invocation was pronounced by vice president, S Akho Leyri, prayer for the new office bearers was offered by Rev. Yamyep Konyak, former State Chaplain, and the vote of thanks was delivered by senior vice president Bendang Jamir. Proceedings were recorded by vice president Benjamin Lorin.