NPF Zunheboto Division inducts 474 members, adopts key resolutions

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | February 7 

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Zunheboto Division on February 7 organised an oath taking-cum-felicitation programme at the Multipurpose Hall, Zunheboto.

Delivering the welcome address, Dennis P Awomi, President of the Youth Wing, NPF Zunheboto Division, greeted the gathering. The oath of office was administered by Kuhoi Zhimo, General Secretary, COB IC, NPF Zunheboto Division, while the oath for the six Assembly Constituencies was administered by Kehoshe H Yeptho, President, NPF Zunheboto Division.

It was informed that the division has a total strength of 474 party members, all of whom pledged to work with dedication for the party, the people and society. A special prayer and blessing for the newly inducted office bearers was pronounced by Dr Hutton Sumi, Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Zunheboto.

Speaking on behalf of all six Assembly Constituencies, Khehoi Aye, President, 33 A/C, stressed the need to avoid communication gaps within the party and underscored the importance of utilising Local Area Development Programme funds for grassroots development.

Ahovi Zhimo, Working President, NPF Zunheboto Division, called upon party workers to stand firm for the party, speak the truth and collectively shape its future. He said he was neither a legislator nor a bureaucrat but a common citizen who had never sought power for personal gain. Emphasising that unity would lead to economic growth, he appealed to landowners to cooperate with the government by selling land for developmental projects to help make Zunheboto a developed district.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Er Picto Shohe urged party members to uphold the oath they had taken and said that the present tenure would continue from 2026 to 2030. He acknowledged the support of party members and noted that there was no previous history of Sumi representation in regional parties.

Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly S Toiho Yeptho said that over 7,000 people had participated in the election process in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing his preference for regional parties, he said national parties often failed to adequately address Naga issues. He added that Nagaland was moving towards unity under the NPF banner, with 34 elected members so far, and highlighted the interdependence between the party and its MLAs.

Advisor, Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, G Ikuto Zhimomi urged party workers not to spread rumours and to maintain harmony while highlighting the impact of various government initiatives. Zhimomi spoke on the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme with 65 empanelled hospitals across the country, the strengthening of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board to ensure merit-based recruitment, and efforts to address unemployment. 

At the same time, he said around 70,000 youths are officially unemployed in Nagaland and referred to initiatives such as the Japan Connect programme to facilitate overseas employment. He also said international partnerships and events like the Hornbill Festival had opened new employment avenues.

K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd.), Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and Chairman of the Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, called upon party members to strengthen the organisation by supporting one another. He reminded members that the NPF was initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and urged them to actively uphold and shape the party.

Presenting the resolutions, Kabo Kiba, General Secretary, NPF 35 A/C, read out the resolutions adopted at the programme. The House resolved to appeal to all legislators representing the NPF Zunheboto Division to maintain coordination among themselves in matters related to developmental activities and policies. It also resolved that the NPF Zunheboto Division, including all frontal wings and the six Assembly Constituencies, would unanimously abide by the party constitution, and that disciplinary action would be initiated against any member violating it.

The House reaffirmed its faith and confidence in the leadership of Dr Neiphiu Rio, President of the Naga People’s Front and Chief Minister of Nagaland, and committed itself to strengthening the party and achieving complete success in the ensuing elections.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Hotovi Chishi, Vice President, NPF Zunheboto Division, followed by a benediction by Aheli Zhimo, Secretary, Women Wing, NPF Zunheboto Division.