NDPP and NPF resolve to continue alliance with BJP post-merger, reaffirming commitment to unity and Naga peace process.
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KOHIMA — During the first official People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) meeting after Naga People’s Front (NPF) formally joined the fold, the members passed a resolution to continue the alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state following the proposed merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and NPF.
The meeting was convened and chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday at his residential complex, following the issuance of an ordinance by NPF president Apong Pongener on Tuesday stating that the NPF shall now officially be part of the PDA government.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, State BJP President Benjamin Yepthomi, NDPP Secretary General Abu Metha, Senior Vice President Rusemtong Longkumer, NPF President Apong Pongener, and NPF Secretary General and MLA Achumbemo Kikon.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Kikon stated that two key resolutions were passed: to continue the alliance with the BJP, and to collectively pursue the Naga peace process.
Also read: NPF officially joins PDA government in Nagaland
He said that the NPF had been supporting the PDA government and contributing to the creation of an opposition-less government with the objective of taking the Naga peace process forward and sending a strong message of unity among the Naga people.
“The objective of supporting the government for the past two and a half years was to take the Naga peace process forward and to send a strong and practical message to the Naga people that if we all have the political will and the desire to come together, there is a possibility. And therefore, we have come together in the form of an opposition-less government,” he stated.
However, Kikon clarified that there is a difference between “supporting the government” and “being inside the government." He informed that the NPF’s formal inclusion was made official after the party president’s communication to the chief minister on October 14, making it a part of the PDA government.
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He said that the meeting chaired by the chief minister included members from all alliance partners—NDPP, BJP and NPF—and that resolutions were adopted to continue the alliance with the BJP and collectively pursue the Naga peace process.
Merger will form strong regional party
Kikon asserted that as far as the NPF is concerned, the party has been engaged in efforts to bring the two regional parties—NDPP and NPF—together into one strong political entity.
“Keeping this aspect in mind, both parties have been talking to each other, and ultimately the culmination will take place on October 21,” he stated, adding that this is happening with the support and goodwill of the Naga public, elders, and church leaders.
Kikon expressed optimism that the coming together of the two parties would create an effective political body, as it would represent opinions from across the grassroots to the urban areas. He also pointed out that the NPF has a presence beyond Nagaland, extending to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, where a significant number of Nagas inhabit.
“Looking at this aspect, it will be very effective because it will be a conglomeration of a lot of people, both young and old, from the grassroots as well as urban areas,” he said.
He maintained that when the Nagas come together, they can make a significant difference and affirmed that the parties will continue to work for the Naga people to take the Naga peace process forward.
“What we require is peace and development. These are a few of the agendas of this government which we will continue to pursue,” he said.
Smooth transition expected
When asked about the merger process, Kikon affirmed that things were progressing smoothly and that both parties had been cautiously and meticulously observing the technical and procedural aspects of it.
“All these aspects which are enshrined in our own party’s constitution, both NDPP and NPF, are being properly taken care of. Therefore, we hope for a smooth transition of responsibility even in the party’s organisational structure,” he said.
Kikon further expressed confidence that with the blessings and support of the people and leaders across generations, the merger will strengthen regional unity and contribute meaningfully to the Naga peace process.