NDPP members raise their hands in endorsement of the resolution to merge with the NPF during the 6th General Convention of the NDPP held on October 18 in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday unanimously agreed to merge with the Naga People’s Front (NPF). The decision was taken at the 6th General Convention of the NDPP held at the Capital Cultural Centre, Kohima, and attended by party leaders and members from across the state.
The resolution was read out by Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister K.G. Kenye, Convenor of the Resolution Committee, and seconded by C.L. John, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Village Guards.
In the presence of NDPP President Chingwang Konyak and Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, the party members raised their hands in unanimous endorsement of the resolution.
The convention deliberated in detail on the offer of the NPF to merge the two regional parties under one banner, with the objective of consolidating regional political strength and ensuring a single united regional front in Nagaland.
After thorough discussions and in accordance with Article X of the NDPP Constitution, the house adopted a four-point resolution approving the merger.
According to the resolution, the NDPP welcomed and accepted the offer of the NPF to amalgamate and merge as one regional political party in the greater interest of the Naga cause and the Naga people. It stated that the unconditional offer of the NPF was a mature and well-calibrated move aimed at creating a strong and unified regional political entity under the banner of the NPF, one of the oldest regional parties in the country. NDPP members expressed their willingness to work together under the unified platform.
The NDPP, describing itself as a party of regional-minded people, expressed confidence that the merger with the NPF would further strengthen and carry forward the ideals of regional politics, work toward resolving the age-old Indo-Naga political issue, and continue to serve as the voice of the Naga people.
It further stated that the merger of the two regional political parties would help cement the shared dreams and aspirations of a vibrant and developed Naga society.
Reaffirming its commitment to work for the people, the NDPP resolved to continue striving toward the vision of moving “Towards a State of Excellence,” noting that such goals would be strengthened under a unified regional banner.
“It is only through a unified power that the much-needed focused attention for the progress of the Naga people can be achieved,” the resolution stated.
Acknowledging the leadership of NDPP President Chingwang Konyak and Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, the party credited their political dynamism for leading the NDPP thus far and extended its unwavering support to them in ensuring a smooth transition of the merger with the NPF.
The merger is set to officially take place on October 21 in the NPF general convention, which also marks the party's 63rd foundation day celebration. Ahead of the NPF convention, the leaders of both NDPP and NPF have been holding series of closed-door meetings to finalise the process of transition and also select the new team of office bearers.
NDPP broke away from the NPF and was formed by Rio after he was suspended from the party in 2017.
Rio unanimously elected NPF Legislature Party leader
Following the resolution of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) to merge with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio was unanimously elected as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) on Saturday. The decision was taken during a Legislature Party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residential office in Kohima. Rio later took to his official Twitter (now X) handle, saying, “I am humbled to be elected Leader of the NPF Legislature Party. Along with NPFLP, we met Hon’ble Speaker Shri Sharingain Longkumer and submitted our documents. Grateful to my colleagues and party organisations for reposing faith in my leadership and to the Almighty for His guidance and blessings.”
