The Rising People’s Party (RPP) officially merged with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) during a programme held at the NPF Central Office in Kohima on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, NPF president and Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio described the merger as more than the coming together of two political parties, saying it represented the convergence of people, ideas, experiences and aspirations. He said the merger strengthened the forces of unity and demonstrated that political leaders must rise above differences when the larger interests of the Naga people are at stake.

Welcoming RPP president, Joel Naga and his colleagues into the NPF, Rio recalled his long association with Joel’s family and said politics may take people through different paths, but shared history, relationships and commitment to the people endure. He described the RPP’s decision as one marked by courage, maturity and foresight.

Rio also recalled his family’s close association with former legislator, Ngurohie Zao, who served in the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1963.

Referring to the Opposition-less Government in Nagaland, Rio said all elected legislators had come together in the larger interest of resolving the Naga political issue. Reiterating that the issue remained the top priority of both the NPF and the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government, he urged all sections of Naga society to unite and carry the message of oneness to every Naga community, negotiating parties, the Government of India and the international community.

He acknowledged that Nagas remained divided by geographical and administrative boundaries but said such divisions could never erase their shared history, identity, culture and traditions. While physical integration might not be immediately possible, he stressed the need for emotional integration through stronger ties, people-to-people interaction and greater cooperation among youth, women, elders, civil society, intellectuals and political leaders.

Rio said the NPF had a historic responsibility to serve as a common political platform for Nagas across their contiguous homeland. Noting that the party was part of the governments in both Nagaland and Manipur, he expressed confidence that it would further expand its presence in other Naga-inhabited areas.

He said the government remained committed to both peace and development, with priorities including better roads, connectivity, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. He added that women and youth would remain equal partners in the State’s progress.

Rio said the NPF would continue its alliance with the BJP to pursue an early political solution and accelerate development while remaining committed to safeguarding Naga identity, traditions and Christian values.

Describing the NPF as a regional party with a national outlook and global vision, he appealed to Nagas across all regions, particularly in Manipur, to join the party and strengthen the movement for Naga unity.

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Earlier, RPP president, Joel Naga formally announced the merger of the party with the NPF.

Calling the occasion a “going home” moment, Joel said the RPP was returning to the party that had upheld the vision of “Nagaism” since its inception in 1963. He said the decision followed the merger of the NDPP and NPF last year and the NPF’s appeal to regional parties and like-minded individuals to join the strengthened party.

Joel said the merger reflected the shared ideological commitment of both parties and thanked Rio for making it possible. Assuring the NPF leadership of the RPP’s full commitment, he said the party would uphold the principles and discipline that had made the NPF a respected regional political force.

Describing the NPF as more than a political party, Joel said it was a Naga institution capable of strengthening Naga unity and helping resolve the Naga political issue.

“For us, joining the Naga People’s Front is a privilege, not a right,” he said.

The official declaration of the merger and felicitation programme was conducted by NPF secretary general and Advisor, Achumbemo Kikon, who highlighted the NPF’s role in protecting democratic values and the rights of citizens. He also said the BJP should remember the contribution of regional parties like the NPF in creating the political space that enabled its rise.

The programme also included the oath-taking of five newly appointed office-bearers, administered by NPF Working President, Pusazo Luruo. Joel Naga and Vitho Zao were appointed Vice Presidents (COB), Amai Chingkhu as General Secretary (COB), Likhro Kreo as Secretary, and Zhokhoi Chuzho as Vice President of the Central Youth Wing.

NPF President Emeritus, Chingwang Konyak also addressed the gathering. Advisor to the NPF President Apong Pongener delivered the welcome address, Rev. Yamyap Konyak pronounced the invocation, the programme was chaired by NPF Working President Ahovi Zhimomi, and Senior Vice President Charlie Sekhose proposed the vote of thanks.