Chief Minister and NPF President, Dr Neiphiu Rio on Saturday reiterated that the NPF is the guardian that upholds the identity and cultural values of the Naga people and asserted that the coming together of the two regional political parties is a result of God’s grace and will.
Speaking during the reception program for the Secretary General at the new NPF Central Office Headquarters, Dr Rio reaffirmed the party’s commitment to regional unity and the protection of Naga identity. He delivered an extensive address tracing the party’s formation, evolution, and future goals.
Dr Rio said that the party’s journey, from its formation in 1963 and its first election in 1964, has been guided by “God’s grace, the prayers of believers, and the wisdom of elders.”
Dr Rio noted that although the Nagas are a small group, “no one has conquered us,” highlighting how the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 and Article 371(A) of the Constitution continue to protect Naga land, culture, and customary laws.
“We are here to protect the rights of the Nagas. While we are under the Constitution of India, many provisions of the 16-Point Agreement remain unfulfilled, and we must continue to fight for them,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister recalled his early years as a youth leader and his role in the creation of the Nagaland People’s Front in 2002, later renamed the Naga People’s Front (NPF) to include Nagas from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
“When we formed the NPF, we had nothing but determination. By God’s blessing and people’s support, we built this party brick by brick,” he said. Referring to the recent merger between NPF and NDPP legislators, Dr. Rio called it a “historic unification” that reflects Naga solidarity.
“The coming together of 32 MLAs with 2 MLAs is symbolic of unity and purpose. We are returning to the mainstream historical party that stood for the Nagas,” he added.
Dr Rio also spoke about the change of the state emblem from the Ashoka Chakra to the Mithun, calling it a symbol of Naga pride and unity. “Our new state motto, Unity, represents our strength. Oneness makes us strong and earns us respect,” he emphasized.
Cautioning against greed and political division, he remarked, “God or nature can provide for our needs, but not our greed. Greed blinds us and divides us.” He urged party members to show discipline, humility, and a sense of duty in serving the Naga people.
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“To be in a regional party is not easy—it is a burden and a sacrifice. But fighting for the Nagas is our responsibility,” Dr. Rio said. He expressed his gratitude to party colleagues and noted that while he would eventually retire as the 10th President of NPF, the “legacy, ideology, and principles must live on through the younger generations.”
He also called upon party leaders to bury all hatred amongst one another and start afresh, stating that the party serves not individuals but the people; therefore, serving the people should be our priority.
MLA and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, in his speech, categorically stated that the NPF is not just a political party that contests elections but a movement for the Naga people, and he reminded everyone to carry on that responsibility.
He also urged all party workers to prioritize the party’s aims, objectives, ideology, and principles in whatever they do. Additionally, he recalled that it was through God’s will, people’s cooperation, and the boldness of the Chief Minister, who guided and navigated the process that the two regional political parties were able to come together.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ahovi Zhimomi, who urged all party members to work in unity and strengthen the NPF’s foundation for future generations. Earlier, the program was chaired by Ahovi Zhimomi, Working President of the NPF.
The welcome address was delivered by H Chuba Chang, NPF Working President, and Rev. Phomlee Van, Pastor of Phom Baptist Church, offered the invocation prayer and prayed for the new NPF Central office headquarters.
