Kohima, October 21: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday called for the revival of the spirit of regionalism while reaffirming the importance of maintaining the state’s strategic alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for stability and development.
Rio was addressing the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at the party’s Central Office in Kohima, where he delivered his first speech as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party following the recent merger of the NPF and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
“I come before you today with a renewed commitment to our shared ideals and to the future of the Naga people,” Rio said, describing the moment as “not just a political homecoming, but a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to work together for the unity, peace, and prosperity of the Naga people.”
Reflecting on his long political journey, the chief minister recalled his early involvement in public life in the 1970s. “My political journey began many decades ago, when as a young man I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as President of the Kohima District UDF Youth Wing in 1974, and later as President of the UDF Youth Wing, Nagaland in 1976–77. Those were formative years that instilled in me the values of public service, teamwork, and dedication to the people,” he said.
Rio entered the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1989 as a Congress (I) candidate from the 11-Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency and later served in various ministerial capacities. Highlighting his role in expanding the NPF’s regional presence, he said, “In 2011, we expanded the NPF’s presence beyond Nagaland by launching the Manipur Unit of NPF at Senapati, and later extending our reach into Arunachal Pradesh, thus strengthening the regional voice of the Northeast under a common vision.”
Rio also reflected on the political developments leading to the recent merger, recalling that on September 6, 2025, the NPF made a formal appeal for him to rejoin and lead the party in the greater interest of the Naga people. The NDPP subsequently endorsed the spirit of unity, culminating in the merger on September 12.
Expressing gratitude to party leaders and members for their support, Rio said, “I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation and acknowledgment to my esteemed colleagues Mr. Apong Pongener, Mr. Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, and Mr. Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, our party leaders, and the rank and file of both the NDPP and NPF for reposing your faith in my leadership and for your steadfast support and cooperation throughout this transition.”
Urging the members to rise above political and personal differences, Rio called for unity and shared purpose. “Let us revive the spirit of regionalism with inclusivity, compassion, and purpose, guided by the ideals that first inspired the NPF – Peace for Development and Development for Peace,” he said.
The CEC meeting was attended by senior party leaders, legislators, and officials, marking a significant step in the consolidation of Nagaland’s regional political landscape ahead of the upcoming NPF General Convention.
