Neiphiu Rio urges Naga People’s Front workers to strengthen grassroots networks in Nagaland and expand the party’s presence in Manipur
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KOHIMA — The Naga People's Front (NPF) is preparing to strengthen its organisation across Nagaland and expand its electoral presence in Manipur ahead of elections in the neighbouring state early next year, with party president and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calling for a stronger grassroots network.
Addressing the party’s 64th foundation day at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on Wednesday, Rio urged party workers to remain active and connected with people across all 60 Assembly constituencies in Nagaland. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to securing an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue.
The occasion marked the first anniversary of the merger of the then Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and NPF, which was formalised during the party’s 63rd foundation day in 2025.
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Rio asserted that the Naga political issue remained at the top of the party’s agenda, describing it as central to the party’s history and purpose.
“Our government, led by the NPF, continues to work closely with the government of India and all stakeholders towards the realisation of an honourable, inclusive, and acceptable political solution,” he said.
Also read: Nagaland: Five NPP MLAs merge with NPF
Although the state government was not a negotiating party in the ongoing dialogue between the Centre and Naga political groups, Rio said it had an important role as a facilitator.
He maintained that the government would continue efforts to bring the negotiating parties closer, help overcome differences and create a conducive atmosphere for the peace process. He also appealed to the negotiating parties to demonstrate sincerity, understanding and a spirit of accommodation.
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Rio served a reminder that the party need to prepare for the changing political landscape and strengthen its organisation at every level. He urged leaders to adapt to changing times and create opportunities for younger generations, warning that Nagaland could not afford to remain a spectator while the rest of the country and the world moved forward.
The chief minister also expressed concern over the situation in Manipur, where the loss of lives, burning of villages and displacement of families had caused widespread suffering.
“The suffering of our people, wherever they may be, cannot be a matter of indifference to us,” Rio said, calling on Nagas to stand with those in distress and work towards peace, understanding and mutual respect.
He appealed to all concerned to pursue reconciliation, restore trust and work towards lasting peace in Manipur.
Losii Dikho, NPF legislator and Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, highlighted the difficulties faced by Nagas in the neighbouring state and urged Rio to intervene.
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He recalled that the NPF had faced considerable opposition when it was first introduced in Manipur, largely because of its position on the Naga political issue. He said perceptions had since changed, with more people coming to understand the party’s agenda.
With Manipur scheduled to hold Assembly elections early next year, Dikho said that the NPF wanted to contest in areas with Naga populations and make a strong electoral impact.
Achumbemo Kikon, legislator and NPF secretary general, said the party had been strengthening its presence, particularly in municipalities and town councils, since the merger with the NDPP.
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He said that the NPF currently had 44 legislators across the Northeast, including 39 in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and five in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Minister Metsubo Jamir said the oppositionless government in Nagaland had been formed to facilitate a solution to the Naga political issue, but cautioned that this did not mean all political parties were the same. He urged the NPF to prepare for contests in all 60 Assembly constituencies.
Minister KG Kenye said the Lower Tizu and Zungki hydropower projects were nearing the stage of commencement. He added that work on transmission routes had begun and that the department would also explore the state’s natural resources.
Ministers G Kaito Aye and CL John also addressed the gathering, while NPF working president Pusazo Luruo outlined the party’s history.
During the programme, Rio released two documents containing the party’s political statements and resolutions, as well as a report on the statewide appreciative enquiry tour conducted by the NPF central farmers’ wing. Party president emeritus Chingwang Konyak administered the pledge to party workers, and a minute of silence was observed in memory of deceased founding members and party workers.