Kohima, Sept 6: In a significant development, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has made a formal appeal to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to rejoin the party and reclaim its leadership. The resolution, passed by the party’s Central Executive Council (CEC) on Saturday, positions Rio as the “original political home” of the NPF and a vital figure for the unification of regional forces in the state.

Addressing the media, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon reiterated the party’s earlier appeal made in February, calling for the return of former members to strengthen the NPF. Kikon reflected on Rio’s deep-rooted association with the party, beginning with his political entry under the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the early 1970s and his leadership as Kohima Youth Wing President in 1974.

Rio had parted ways with the NPF in 2017 to form the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which currently leads the government in Nagaland with 32 MLAs, while NPF’s strength in the assembly has dwindled to just two legislators.

Despite the numbers, Kikon emphasized that the issue at hand is not political arithmetic but unity. “It is not about numbers. Regional parties must come together to advance the cause of the Naga people,” he said, stressing the importance of reconciliation and solidarity in the party’s future.

In a major gesture of political goodwill, NPF president Apong Pongener announced that he would step down from his position if Rio agreed to return. “If Neiphiu Rio expresses willingness to return, I will step aside for him to lead and strengthen the regional political movement,” Pongener declared.

Veteran NPF leader and five-time MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu echoed the sentiment but urged party workers to remain patient and respectful of Rio’s decision. “If Rio doesn’t agree, it won’t happen. But the people’s desire is for a single, strong regional party. In a small state like Nagaland, two regional parties cannot sustainably exist,” Nienu said.

The CEC also authorized the party president to form a Central Election Board, a preparatory move in case leadership changes take place. Additionally, the NPF extended its invitation to sitting and former legislators, including two MPs and 60 MLAs, to regroup under the NPF banner.

Leaders from the party’s units in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, including Happa Taidong and Awangbow Newmai, were present during the meeting, signaling wider regional interest in the party’s call for unity.

Expressing hope for what they described as a “miracle,” party leaders believe that Rio’s return could play a transformative role — not only in rejuvenating the NPF but also in reunifying Nagaland’s regional political front and bolstering the ongoing peace process in the state.