Kohima, October 21: NPF Marks 64th Foundation Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Naga Political Solution and Development
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) celebrated its 64th Foundation Day at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on Wednesday, with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to the aspirations of the Naga people, an honourable political solution to the Indo-Naga issue, and the all-round development of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and President of the NPF, said the Foundation Day was not only an occasion for celebration but also a time for remembrance, reflection and introspection on the party’s journey of more than six decades.
Extending greetings to party workers, supporters and well-wishers across all 60 Assembly constituencies of Nagaland, as well as NPF members in Manipur, Rio described the party as one of the oldest regional political parties in the Northeast, closely associated with the history of modern Nagaland and the aspirations of the Naga people.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers, former presidents, leaders and grassroots workers whose sacrifices and dedication had sustained the party through electoral victories, defeats, political divisions and challenging periods. Highlighting the party’s political philosophy, Rio said the NPF was founded on the conviction that the aspirations of the Naga people for honour, dignity and respect must also be pursued through peaceful and democratic means.
He reiterated the significance of the party’s Cock symbol and its motto, “Fide Non Armis” — By Faith, Not Arms.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Rio said he began his career in the NPF youth movement, went on to serve as Youth President and State President, and had now returned to lead the party as its president. He expressed gratitude to party members and supporters for the trust and confidence placed in him.
Calls for Honourable and Acceptable Naga Political Solution
Emphasising that lasting peace remained fundamental to Nagaland’s progress, Rio stated that the decades-old Indo-Naga political issue must reach an honourable, inclusive and acceptable conclusion.
He said the NPF Government continued to work closely with the Government of India and other stakeholders, serving as an active facilitator despite not being a negotiating party in the ongoing dialogue between the Government of India and Naga political groups.
Rio appealed to all negotiating parties to demonstrate sincerity, understanding and accommodation, placing the aspirations of the Naga people above individual and organisational differences.
He also called upon tribal bodies, civil society organisations, churches, student organisations, women, youth, political parties and concerned citizens to work collectively towards peace and unity, stressing that differences in opinion should not undermine their shared aspirations.
Highlights Development Priorities and Government Initiatives
Rio maintained that development could not remain on hold while efforts for a political solution continued. He stressed the need to create opportunities for young people, improve healthcare and education, strengthen agriculture and entrepreneurship, and expand employment opportunities.
Referring to various government initiatives, he highlighted programmes such as the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme, Nagaland Startup Policy, Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Minister’s Life Insurance Scheme and Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission.
He also cited the establishment of Nagaland’s first medical college, the Nagaland Staff Selection Board and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland as important steps towards strengthening institutions, improving recruitment transparency and promoting economic growth.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that significant challenges remained and assured that the government would continue working towards better governance, stronger institutions, transparency and inclusive development, ensuring that no district, community or section of society was left behind.
Expresses Solidarity with Manipur
Addressing the situation in neighbouring Manipur, Rio expressed deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives, destruction of villages, suffering and displacement caused by violence.
He conveyed solidarity with the affected people and appealed for reconciliation, restoration of trust and lasting peace, stating that the suffering of Naga people, wherever they may be, could not be a matter of indifference.
He expressed hope that peace and normalcy would return to Manipur, enabling all communities to live together in safety, dignity and harmony.
Urges Party Unity and Grassroots Strengthening
Rio welcomed the newly joined and merged legislators, leaders and party members into the NPF, describing the party as an organisation with room for all who shared its principles and commitment to the welfare of the Naga people.
He also acknowledged the party’s political association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), tracing their cooperation to the formation of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland following the 2003 Nagaland Assembly elections.
With the next elections approaching, Rio called for the strengthening of the party organisation at every level, from the state leadership to the grassroots. He urged party workers to remain active and connected with the public across all 60 constituencies, cautioning that public trust must be earned through sincerity, commitment and service.
He particularly encouraged the women’s and youth wings to take a greater role in the party’s present and future, emphasising the importance of nurturing young leaders and increasing women’s participation.
Rio said the NPF’s strength had always rested on its connection with ordinary people and urged leaders and workers to remain accessible, humble and responsive to public needs.
Envisioning a united Naga community and a prosperous Nagaland, he called upon party members to preserve the legacy of their predecessors and build a stronger organisation and a better future for coming generations.
He concluded by congratulating party members, workers, leaders and supporters on the 64th Foundation Day, expressing hope that the NPF would continue to contribute to the welfare, dignity and progress of the Naga people.
The programme was chaired by H. Chuba Chang, Working President, while the comperes were Ate Kevichüsa, General Secretary, and Ninoto Awomi, Associate Press Secretary. Pusazo Luruo, Working President, presented a brief history of the party, followed by tributes.
Short speeches were delivered by C. L. John, Metsübo Jamir, K. G. Kenye and G. Kaito Aye, all Hon’ble Ministers, along with Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
The Dayspring presented the musical item, “Lead Me to the Rock.”
The Foundation Day address was delivered by Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and NPF President. Chingwang Konyak, President Emeritus, administered the pledge, while Abu Metha, Working President, delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a benediction by Ahovi Zhimomi, Working President.
