Naga People's Front officials and others at the 62nd Foundation Day of NPF celebrated in Kohima on October 21.
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 21
Established on October 21, 1963, under the leadership of A Kevichüsa, the Naga People's Front (NPF), celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day on October 21 at its headquarter Kohima.
In his presidential address, NPF President Apong Pongener said NPF has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Nagaland, becoming the first regional party in the state, and the second-oldest regional political party in India, after Tamil Nadu’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Acknowledging the party’s challenging phase, he reminded the members that the party has faced even more difficult times in the past decades in one way or another. Towards this end, calling for concerted effort, Pongener said “in such a time as this, we all need concerted effort to stand firm for survival of the party” further urging the party men and women to reinvent its thoughts and ideas for rejuvenation of the party to reclaim its past glory rather than internal criticism.
Reflecting on the party’s enduring legacy, he maintained that despite undergoing changes in nomenclature over the years, the party’s core ideologies, objectives, symbol (the Rooster), and motto (“Fide non armis” – By Faith, Not Arms) have remained steadfast and stood the test of time.
While admitting that today the NPF may be at its lowest ebb in terms of popularity, the President expressed confidence that the party shall come back to power sooner or later.
“This party is the very identity of the Nagas, and I believe that the God who brought us thus far shall continue to lead and guide us to fulfil our desired goal,” stated Pongener.
He acknowledged the contributions of former party presidents, including A Kevichüsa, Rano Shaiza, T Aliba Imti, Vizol, Huska Sumi, Vamuzo, and Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, for their roles in sustaining the party till today.
Meanwhile, he appreciated the party’s two legislators in Nagaland and five legislators in Manipur for their dedication in keeping the NPF’s flag flying high despite challenging circumstances. Thanking all party workers, from central office bearers to village units, for their unwavering support, Pongener emphasised on the need for a renewed spirit of sacrifice and hard work to secure a better future for the party.
Emphasising on the importance of individual sacrifice and cooperation for the growth of the party, MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu urged the party members against depending solely on the party leaders.
He also expressed his displeasure on the growing trend of criticising party leaders calling it a ‘very bad habit.’
Highlighting on the significance of the day, MLA Achumbemo Kikon maintained that NPF has a “strong foundation based on certain ideologies and principles” for which, it has stood the test of time wherein no threat can shake the party.
While iterating that the party’s objective is to bring an honourable solution to the Naga political issue, Kikon claimed that NPF has not failed on its part and has stood firm. He informed that NPF has produced seven chief ministers, who were part of the party at one point or another, and expressed confidence that the party will regain its former glory.
In her brief speech, Sano Vamuzo also asserted that NPF cannot deviate from the principles and ideologies of which it was formed. Although the party is passing through a critical situation, she also expressed hope that NPF will overcome all challenges through unity, support and cooperation of all the party workers.
