Kohima, September 19: The Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday clarified that no preconditions have been set for its proposed merger with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), underscoring that the move is aimed at strengthening the regional political landscape of Nagaland.
Speaking at the central office bearers’ (COB) meeting at the party headquarters, NPF secretary general and MLA Ahum Bhürom confirmed that both parties are engaged in “serious discussions” with the shared goal of building a stronger regional platform for the people of the state.
He informed that while the NDPP will hold its general convention on October 18, the NPF has resolved to conduct its own convention on October 21, coinciding with its 63rd foundation day. Both meetings, to be held in Kohima, are expected to mark the formal coming together of the two regional parties.
In preparation, the NPF will notify its active members as per the constitutional 30-day requirement for participation in the October 21 convention, ensuring compliance with the Election Commission’s procedures.
Addressing concerns over party symbols post-merger, Bhürom indicated that the nomenclature would likely retain the NPF’s name and its iconic “cock” symbol, which he described as central to the legacy of the party—the oldest regional political formation in the Northeast and the second oldest in India.
Reiterating the NPF’s contributions to Nagaland’s politics, Bhürom noted that the party has consistently taken part in state affairs, including protests against encroachment along the Indo-Myanmar border, despite its limited presence of just two MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.
During the COB meeting, the NPF also expressed appreciation for former president Apong Pongen for his leadership, reaffirming its consensus-driven approach and agreeing that the team of office bearers for the merged entity would be collectively decided.
