Kohima, October 21: In a historic political development, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday elected Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as its new President, following the formal ratification of the NDPP-NPF merger at the party’s General Convention held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. The event also marked the 63rd Foundation Day of the NPF.
Over 5,000 active members attended the convention, which unanimously adopted several key resolutions shaping the party’s new direction. Through a show of hands, members endorsed the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with the NPF, reaffirming decisions earlier approved by the Central Office Bearers (COB) and Central Executive Council (CEC) on October 18.
In a unanimous decision, the Convention also elected a new team of Central Office Bearers, CEC members, and frontal leaders for the 2025–2030 term. The party extended full confidence and support to Dr. Rio’s leadership as both Chief Minister of Nagaland and President of the unified NPF.
The gathering expressed deep appreciation for the role of NDPP President Chingwang Konyak, praising the “historic consensus” achieved under the joint leadership of Konyak and Dr. Rio in uniting the two dominant regional forces into one political entity.
Reaffirming its alliance commitments, the NPF resolved to continue as a partner in the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government in Nagaland and remain part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) at the national and regional levels. The party pledged to work for inclusive development, peace, and political stability across Nagaland and Manipur.
Significantly, the Convention reiterated its call for an early and honourable resolution of the Naga political issue, urging the Government of India and Naga political groups to expedite peace talks and achieve a solution that is “honourable, acceptable, and inclusive.”
The NPF also extended gratitude to the Church, party elders, and pioneers for their guidance and moral support, appealing to all sections of Naga society to continue to uphold unity and cooperation. It further invited all “regionally minded citizens” and former members to return to the party fold in the interest of Naga solidarity.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted, with the Resolution Committee chaired by Senior Vice President Khongjah Konyak and members Yangerlemba, Toniho Sheqi, Povotso Lohe, Guoni-o Sirie, H. Zungkum Chang, and Piekie Kath.
