(4th and 5th from left) MLA and General Secretary NPF Achumbemo Kikon, Vipopal Kintso, along with other officials during a reception programme held at the party’s Central Office in Kohima on May 29.
Kohima, May 29 (MExN): In a significant political development, former Janata Dal (United) candidate and ex-president of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Vipopal Kintso, formally joined the Naga People’s Front (NPF) along with his supporters on May 29.
Kintso, who contested the 2023 General Election from the Southern Angami-II Assembly Constituency on a JD(U) ticket, was welcomed into the NPF fold during a reception programme held at the party’s Central Office in Kohima.
Appreciating Kintso’s decision, MLA and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said the party needs genuine and committed leaders who stand for the cause of the Naga people.
“The NPF has always stood for the interest and identity of the Nagas,” Kikon said, adding that only true leaders join the NPF because it is not merely an electoral platform but a disciplined party deeply connected to the Naga cause.
He further stated that the NPF works to protect Naga identity and interests and stressed that any leader joining the party should do so without conditions and be prepared to work for the betterment of the Naga people in any role assigned.
Welcoming Kintso, Kikon said the party was pleased to have a leader of his stature on board, citing his vast experience in civil society organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Kintso expressed happiness at joining the NPF and lauded the leadership of NPF President and Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for sacrificing self-interest and working for the cause of the Naga people while making the dream of a strong regional political party in the state a reality.
Kintso described his joining the NPF as a “homecoming” for him and his supporters and said he chose the party to work for the broader interests of the Naga people through a regional platform.
He also expressed eagerness to work with senior Naga regionalist leaders and assured that he would serve with commitment for the upliftment of the party.
In his resignation letter from the JD(U), Kintso stated that “in view of the overwhelming mindset of regionalism pervading in their area, solely with the intention of working for the people in the localized context, have decided to relinquish the responsibilities from the JD(U).”
NPF Vice President Theyiekielie Tachü, who also addressed the gathering, said the NPF is a Naga party that needs young and responsible Naga leaders. He called upon responsible youth to join the NPF to carry forward the aspirations of the Naga people.
