Kohima, Nov 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday termed the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) as a “historic coming together” aimed at strengthening unity among the Naga people. Addressing the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of the NPF in Kohima, Rio, who assumed the party presidency following the formal merger on October 21, said the success of the unified regional platform would depend on collective sincerity and cooperation among party members.

Rio thanked party leaders for their support and stated that the merger’s objective was to safeguard Naga history, culture, tradition and identity. He noted the limited availability of written Naga historical records and said the political unification would serve as a valuable reference for future generations. He also acknowledged the NPF as the oldest regional party in the Naga political landscape and encouraged members to document the contributions of present and past leaders, including those now associated with other parties.

Addressing organisational matters, Rio called for cooperation in restructuring party divisions and committees, noting that some decisions might not satisfy all members. He said the secretary general was facing pressure due to lobbying but assured that issues would be addressed gradually.

Highlighting the regional character of the party, Rio noted the NPF’s presence in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, along with aspirations to expand its footprint in Asaam, while maintaining solidarity with Naga communities across international borders.

The CEC adopted resolutions stating that the merger serves the larger interests of the Naga people by strengthening shared values and promoting a unified regional vision. The party extended an invitation to like-minded regional groups to join the platform and appealed for continued public support.

The merger, formalised on October 21 on the NPF’s 63rd foundation day, brings together NDPP’s 32 MLAs and NPF’s 2 MLAs, forming a stronger regional force. The CEC reaffirmed its support for the ongoing peace talks and the pursuit of an “honourable, acceptable and inclusive” solution to the Naga political issue. It also endorsed the Nagaland Cabinet’s January 6 resolution seeking the withdrawal of the re-imposed Protected Area Permit (PAP) and urged the Centre to act in the interest of the state.

The CEC approved organisational reforms, including the creation of new divisions for Meluri, Chümoukedima and Shamator, sanctioned amendments to the party constitution and formed a Constitution Amendment Committee. It also authorised the party president to establish a Central Finance Committee.

The merger marks a significant development in regional politics, consolidating efforts to uphold the identity and rights of the Naga people across the Northeast.