NPF outgoing president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu with new president Apong Pongener and others during general convention of NPF in Kohima on October 21. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central Election Board today announced Apong Pongener from Mokokchung NPF Division as the new president of NPF for the tenure 2024- 2028.
This was announced during the general convention of NPF- cum- 61st foundation day 2023 at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima.
The Election Board also announced NPF central frontal heads for 2024-2028 with Süpoyi Vezhu as president NPF Central Youth Wing, Yanhola Yim-president NPF Central Women Wing, T. Yangyam Phom- president Central Farmers’ Wing and Bishnu Bhattacharjee as president Central Minority Wing.
NPF outgoing president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu administered oath to the newly elected central office bearers and frontal heads for the tenure 2024-2028.
‘NPF for the future of Naga people’
In his response, NPF president elect Pongener expressed gratitude to outgoing president Dr Liezietsu for leading the party through some of the most difficult and tumultuous years in the political saga.
“We look forward for his continued wise counsel and advice to be guiding us whenever in need,” he said.
“With your unflinching support, wise counsel and unhesitating cooperation in the interest of the party and of the people we have pledged to serve, I am confident that together, and by God's grace, we can meet and overcome the many challenges that confront us today,” he said.
Way back in 1972, Pongener said, he became a foot soldier of the then UDF which eventually came to be called by the name, Naga Peoples’ Front’.
He said that during those 51 long years, much water has flown under the bridge of Naga history.
“We faced good, bad and occasional ugly times, but the vision and spirit of the Naga people embodied by the NPF live on stronger than ever,” he said.
In today’s unfortunate world of most volatile politics of sheer opportunism and expediency, I am confident that, together, we will continue to conduct our party politics of unflinching conviction and principles in such a way, that people will look up to us with confidence and hope for a better future, he said.
Earlier, outgoing president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that NPF was formed with a purpose and a strong commitment to pave the way for upholding the right of the Naga people through democratic process.
He said that NPF will continue to strive to play its role as active facilitators for an early political solution of the Indo-Naga political problem. MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of NPF Legislature Party and Awangbow Newmai, minister, Manipur and president NPF Manipur State Unit also spoke at the convention.
NPF urges Naga people to be conscious of the political history
The NPF in today’s general convention resolution re-affirmed its earlier resolutions for an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the protracted Naga political issue and called upon the Naga people to be conscious of the political history and work cohesively towards achieving “our goal through peaceful means.”
The convention thanked all the well wishers of NPF across the length and breadth of the contiguous Naga inhabited areas and beyond for their unceasing support to the NPF through thick and thin and appealed to support even in the days to come.
The convention acknowledged the contributions of Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu who sacrificed for the party over the past over 50 years.
The convention also upheld Küzholuzo (Azo) Nienu as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party.
The convention endorsed the decision of the Central Election Board in selecting a new team of Central Office Bearers and Central Frontals for the tenure 2024-2028 and resolved to work with party discipline under the new president as enshrined under Article XIV, Clause (a) and (b).
Further, the party extended its appreciation to the NPF of Manipur State Unit for its constant support rendered to the Central Office in particular and to the party in general.
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