Establishment of NPF for the benefit of Naga people: Achumbemo

Nagaland: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Secretary General, MLA Achumbemo Kikon, reiterated on Saturday that the party was formed to serve the cause of the Naga people and to build peace through political means.

At the inauguration of the NPF Chumoukedima Division Office at 7th Mile, where office-bearers took oath, Achumbemo said the opening of the political office was a symbol of discipline, responsibility, and continuity, rather than just logistics. He recalled that the party’s promise, formulated in 1968, still binds its members.

The party’s origins date back to October 21, 1963, when it was formed as the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) with the motto Fide Non Armis (“By Faith, Not by Arms”). Achumbemo said the rooster symbol has given hope to the Naga people for six decades. He recalled that in the first state elections in 1964, the party won 12 seats, but all MLAs resigned en masse after the signing of the first ceasefire agreement between Naga underground groups and the Indian government on September 6, 1964. He said, “Such sacrifices are unheard of today.”
Achumbemo said that the merger of two regional parties to mark the NPF’s 60th anniversary last October was an example of Naga unity. He further said that under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the party has made great efforts to unite Naga people from different regions and states. Stating that the NPF is a regional party, he said it has also protected the rights of non-Naga minorities in the state.
Calling for transparency and accountability, Achumbemo warned party officials not to misuse the “party’s good offices” for personal gain. He appealed to members to contribute their time and become assets to the organization so that the NPF can grow stronger. Outlining the ruling coalition’s priorities, Achumbemo said that the government’s 34 MLAs prioritized resolving Naga political issues without neglecting development.
Advisor Jhaleo Rio, also speaking on the occasion, said that the inauguration of the Chumoukedima Division Office marked the successful completion of the NPF-NDPP merger at the grassroots level. He said the Chumoukedima-Dimapur belt was an important political and demographic zone and praised the maturity shown in the merger process. He said, “Dimapur is a mini Nagaland,” and emphasized that unity must begin where the Naga population is concentrated.
Jhaleo appealed to party workers to coordinate between the division and assembly seat levels, reminding them that they are unpaid political workers serving the public welfare. He said that many Naga elders and intellectuals have welcomed the merger and called on political actors to set an example of unity among all sections of people, including underground groups. Describing the day as a milestone, Jhaleo compared the merger to “handing over a new vehicle,” saying that it depends on how it is driven and maintained to bring about positive change.
Earlier, the program, chaired by Vice-President (COB) Phushika Awomi, began with a prayer by Pastor Mhasivizho Pucho of Chumoukedima Town Baptist Church, followed by the oath of office by Senior Vice-President Charlie Sekhose.