The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday organised a seminar-cum-workshop for its Press Bureau, Central Frontal Wings and Cells at the party’s Central Headquarters, focusing on political communication, public outreach, legal awareness, grassroots engagement and organisational preparedness.
Addressing the gathering, NPF Secretary General and Advisor, Achumbemo Kikon stressed that party workers must have a clear understanding of government policies, programmes and development initiatives to communicate them effectively to the public.
He said opposition allegations require timely and factual responses, as delayed clarification allows an opposing narrative to take root. He said the responsibility of communicating government’s work must extend from the Central Office to divisions, areas, town wards, frontal organisations and cells.
He called for a more professional and responsive social-media approach, noting younger voters are an increasingly important electorate, and urged systematic use of digital platforms while distinguishing between issues needing immediate response and those needing verification before a considered reply.
On the FCRA amendment issue, he said workers should correctly explain that the matter remains before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and has not reached final resolution, stressing its proper constitutional and procedural context.
On the Vande Mataram issue, he urged workers to explain the relevance of Article 371A and the legislative process so that public participation or non-participation in national programmes is not wrongly attributed to the State Government or the party.
On FNTA and ENPO-related issues, he urged workers to explain the role of the State Government and the legal procedures involved, citing establishment of the Department of Development of Underdeveloped Areas in 2003 as part of the party’s historical attention to the eastern region.
He called for focused preparation for NPF Foundation Day on October 21, urging all organisational structures to participate actively to strengthen unity and functioning.
Vice President Lanukaba spoke on the historical circumstances of NPF’s formation and divisions among Nagas. Referring to Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1957 and its 3rd General Convention at Mokokchung in 1959, he said NPC had adopted a resolution for underground representatives to be included in the Working Committee to finalise the 16-point proposal.
He said a subsequent move to take the proposal to Delhi without underground representatives led to disagreement, with leaders including A. Kevichusa, Vizol, Tajen Ao and Megorto not proceeding to Delhi and returning from Dimapur – which he described as the first division/faction among Nagas created by NPC.
He added that under A Kevichusa, the Nagaland Democratic Party (DPN) was organised with the cock as symbol and motto “Fedi Non Armis”, registered with ECI in December 1963.
Press Secretary, Atou Liezietsu said the Press Bureau is the official communication channel connecting NPF with media and public, stressing, One Party, One Voice, One Channel, and urging divisions, frontal organisations and cells to route central policy matters through the Bureau to avoid confusion and misrepresentation.
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He said the Bureau’s responsibilities include communicating policies, responding to political developments and publishing the bi-monthly magazine for political education and cohesion. He called for coordination between Press Bureau, social media teams and CMO Media Cell, stressing verification before circulation and avoidance of rumours and unverified content. He urged NPF State Units in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to regularly share authentic reports and photos for central highlighting.
Media Secretary to Chief Minister, Ayieno Kechü, said political communication should be continuous, not election-bound, and should serve as a means of listening to public feedback, noting constructive reactions from social media are compiled and shared with Chief Minister and senior officers. She called for closer coordination between CMO Media Cell, NPF Media Cell and district teams, cautioning against unverified or AI-manipulated content.
Social Media Co-Convenor, Janbemo Humtsoe briefed the gathering on the importance of social media in the present trend and stressed the need for setting up social media members at every divisional and constituency level, so that every development can be highlighted properly. He also maintained that every shared news item should be properly verified for authenticity, so that the public is not misguided by fake news.
Legal Cell Convenor, Adv Dr Povotso Lohe outlined the cell’s role in protecting the party and providing legal guidance, assisting in court cases, election petitions and constitutional matters and resolving internal issues. He announced plans to establish legal cells in all 17 NPF divisions in first phase and hold regular legal-awareness programmes, urging compliance with Representation of the People Act, 1951, Model Code of Conduct and effective use of Article 371A.
Minority Wing President, Bishnu Bhattacharjee stressed strengthening grassroots organisation and year-round community contact, with initial focus on Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima and greater youth and women participation. He highlighted civic assistance and livelihood support, proposing to explore opportunities for at least 50 eligible youth in Dimapur through driving licences, permits and employment avenues as per regulations, and called for peaceful coexistence with approach of “contact, connect and continue”.
Public Grievances Cell Convenor, Z Neikuo Lhousa said the cell is a bridge between leadership and public, channelling genuine grievances to appropriate leadership, with regular engagement helping understand grassroots needs and strengthen relations.
Medical Cell Convenor, Dr Kaito Jakhalu outlined plans for grassroots healthcare outreach for underprivileged and underserved communities, with medical camps to be taken forward after party approval.
Central Farmers’ Wing President, Y Vikheho Swu called for stronger support to agriculture and village livelihoods, urging greater awareness and implementation of One District One Product (ODOP), proposing vegetable hubs across all 60 Assembly constituencies to improve market access, expand markets for local produce and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
The programme began with invocation by KMangyangpula Chang (Apu), Working President, Central Women Wing, and concluded with vote of thanks by N Akok Longkumer, President, Central Youth Wing, and benediction by S Akho Leyri, Vice President (Administration).
