Nagaland Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday reiterated the need for an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue, urging all negotiating parties to demonstrate sincerity and accommodation in the larger interest of the Naga people.
Addressing the NPF’s 64th Foundation Day celebration at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, Rio said the decades-long political issue remained central to the aspirations of the Naga people and called for renewed efforts to bring the peace process to its logical conclusion.
He said the NPF, while not a negotiating party, continued to play the role of a facilitator by making efforts to bring the negotiating parties closer, overcome differences and create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue.
Appealing to all concerned, Rio urged the negotiating parties to place the aspirations of the Naga people above individual and organisational differences, stating that another generation continued to live under the shadow of an unresolved political issue.
He said the Naga people deserved peace, while the younger generation deserved the opportunity to grow up in an environment of stability, hope and progress.
Rio also called upon Naga civil society organisations, tribal bodies, churches, student organisations, women, youth and political parties to work collectively towards a common objective. He said differences in opinions and approaches should not overshadow the larger aspirations of the people, stressing that unity and understanding were essential to overcoming challenges.
Reflecting on the NPF’s 64-year journey, Rio said the party was closely associated with the history of modern Nagaland and the aspirations of the Naga people. He paid tribute to the party’s founding fathers and former leaders, acknowledging their contributions in carrying forward the organisation through periods of political change, electoral victories and defeats, and internal challenges.
He said the party’s commitment to the aspirations, dignity and welfare of the Naga people had remained a guiding principle despite its evolution through different names and political formations.
Turning to the party’s role in public life, Rio urged NPF leaders and workers to remain humble, accessible and accountable to the people. He said the party’s greatest strength had always been its connection with ordinary people and cautioned members against allowing personal ambitions and individual interests to overshadow collective responsibility.
Rio stressed that political service should extend beyond elections and party programmes, adding that the NPF must remain present when people faced difficulties and needed support. He said positions and responsibilities were temporary and that no individual was bigger than the party.
He called for stronger organisational discipline and unity as the NPF prepared for future electoral challenges. Welcoming those who had recently joined or merged with the party, Rio said the organisation had room for all who believed in its principles and wished to work for the welfare and progress of the Naga people.
He also emphasised the need to encourage greater participation by women and youth, saying the party had a responsibility to prepare the next generation to carry forward its leadership and ideals.
On development, Rio said Nagaland needed to adapt to changing economic and technological realities while creating opportunities for its people. He highlighted entrepreneurship, self-employment, skill development and rural livelihoods, alongside government initiatives relating to healthcare, insurance, transparent recruitment, medical education and investment promotion.
He said the state should aspire to contribute meaningfully to India’s economic and social progress by strengthening its human resources, entrepreneurship and local economic potential. At the same time, he stressed that development should preserve Naga identity, culture and heritage while ensuring that villages and towns prospered.
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Rio also expressed anguish over the situation in Manipur, referring to the loss of innocent lives, destruction of villages, suffering and displacement. He conveyed solidarity with those affected and called for reconciliation, restoration of trust and lasting peace among communities.
Reflecting on his own political journey spanning more than five decades, Rio expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and urged party members to renew their commitment to public service and the ideals upon which the NPF was founded.
He concluded by invoking God’s blessings on the party and the people, reaffirming the NPF’s motto, Fide Non Armis — “By Faith, Not Arms” — and calling for continued unity and dedication to the welfare and progress of the Naga people.
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CL John, in his address, said the NPF, founded in 1963, had overcome many ups and downs and was revived under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership despite the 2023 setback, acknowledging the struggles of leaders including Azo and Achumbemo and noting that 32 MLAs had joined the party, strengthening its position; he called for unity among all Naga tribes, national workers and denominations, expressed gratitude to the government for passing the bill concerning the ENPO demand and FNTA, and urged the people to safeguard the 40 allocated seats and ensure they are not lost in the next election.
Minister for Rural Development of Nagaland, Metsübo Jamir highlighted the history and founding principles of the NPF, recalling the wisdom and sacrifices of its founding fathers. He urged party workers to uphold the slogan “Fide Non Armes” and remain grateful for the peace achieved through past leaders’ dedication and unshakeable faith.
He said the NPF represents the Nagas as a national party rather than merely a regional one, stressing that the opposition-less government was formed to pursue solutions for the people, while urging members to safeguard the party’s identity, strengthen its grassroots presence through village development boards, self-help groups (SHGs) and community-based programmes, and work towards the target of winning 60 seats in the upcoming election.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of Nagaland, KG Kenye reaffirmed the Naga People’s Front (NPF)’s commitment to peace, non-violence and an amicable and honourable solution to the Naga political issue, urging party members to uphold the founding motto, “Fide, non Armis” — by faith and not by arms.
Kenye reflected on the party’s 64-year journey, recalling the struggles, political challenges and sacrifices that shaped its history. He said the party was born during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Naga people, when peace and reconciliation were urgently needed.
He said the party’s visionary founders had laid a foundation through which successive generations of leaders and party workers could pursue the aspirations of the Naga people through peaceful and democratic means.
Reiterating the significance of the party’s motto, Kenye said faith must be placed in three guiding principles — democracy, non-violence and the Almighty God. He maintained that these principles should continue to guide the party in its pursuit of an amicable and honourable solution to the issues confronting the Naga people.
Minister, G Kaito Aye said the legacy and wisdom of the NPF’s founding fathers had paved the way for the party today, stressing that the NPF , must continue to lead the Nagas while upholding its principles and identity. He urged party workers to reach out to people ahead of the upcoming election, set aside differences, focus on the welfare of the people of Nagaland, and work responsibly towards advancing the Naga community.
Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, has called for peace, unity and constructive dialogue to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur, while urging continued support for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.
Addressing the 64th Foundation Day celebration of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dikho said the party had established itself as a significant political force in Manipur despite facing opposition and criticism during its initial expansion into the state.
He credited the party’s leadership for strengthening its presence across state boundaries and promoting emotional, social and cultural integration among Naga communities in Nagaland and Manipur. He said NPF had gradually earned the trust of different communities through its commitment to peace and constructive political engagement.
Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, extended greetings on the NPF’s 64th Foundation Day, expressing confidence in the party’s continued growth under Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio’s leadership, reaffirming its founding principles and calling for inclusive development, peace, harmony and public welfare, while also thanking party members for their solidarity and support to his family following the painful loss of his son.
The celebration was chaired by party working president H Chuba Chang. Invocation was pronounced by state chaplain Rev Izietielung Terieng, followed by the opening hymn, “Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!”
Welcome address was delivered by advisor and secretary general, NPF, Achumbemo Kikon. The brief history of the party was presented by working president Pusazo Luruo, followed by a tribute.
The pledge was administered by president emeritus Chingwang Konyak, while working president Abu Metha delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme concluded with a benediction by working president Ahovi Zhimomi.
The programme was compered by general secretary Ate Kevichüsa and associate press secretary Ninoto Awomi.
