NPF Secretary General and Advisor Achumbemo Kikon.
Kohima, September 18 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday asked its cadre to counter opposition narratives on contentious issues such as FCRA amendment, Vande Mataram and Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), asserting that party workers must be equipped with facts to respond to allegations “in a timely manner”.
NPF Secretary General and Advisor Achumbemo Kikon, addressing a seminar-cum-workshop for the party’s Press Bureau, Central Frontal Wings and Cells at the party headquarters in Kohima, said the FCRA amendment issue remains under examination by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and has not reached a final resolution.
“Workers should correctly explain that the matter is still before the JPC,” Kikon said, asking cadres to present the issue in its “proper constitutional and procedural context,” the Press Bureau stated in a press release.
On the Vande Mataram row, he asked party workers to explain the relevance of Article 371A and the legislative process involved, so that public participation or non-participation in national programmes is not wrongly attributed to the State Government or the party.
Kikon also referred to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA)-related issues, asking workers to explain the role of the State Government and the legal procedures involved. He cited the establishment of the Department for Development of Underdeveloped Areas in 2003 as evidence of the party’s historical attention to the eastern region of Nagaland.
Stating that opposition allegations require timely and factual responses, Kikon said delayed clarification allows an “opposing narrative” to take root.
“The responsibility of communicating the government’s work must extend from the Central Office to divisions, areas, town wards, frontal organisations and cells,” he said, calling for a clear understanding among party workers of government policies, programmes and development initiatives.
Kikon also called for a more professional and responsive social media approach, noting that younger voters are an increasingly important electorate. He urged systematic use of digital platforms, while distinguishing between issues needing an immediate response and those requiring verification before a considered reply. He also called for focused preparation ahead of the party’s Foundation Day on October 21.
Press Secretary Atou Liezietsu called for closer coordination between the Press Bureau, social media teams and the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) Media Cell, and urged verification of content before circulation.
Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ayieno Kechü, said political communication must be continuous rather than confined to elections, and should also serve as a channel for public feedback, with constructive reactions on social media compiled and shared with the CM and senior officers. She cautioned against unverified or AI-manipulated content.
Social Media Co-Convenor Janbemo Humtsoe said social media members would be appointed at every divisional and constituency level to ensure proper highlighting of developments, while stressing that all shared news must be verified to prevent the spread of fake news.
Earlier, Vice President Lanukaba spoke on the historical circumstances of NPF’s formation and divisions among Nagas. On the organisational front, Legal Cell Convenor Advocate Dr Povotso Lohe announced plans to set up legal cells in all 17 NPF divisions in the first phase, along with regular legal-awareness programmes on the Representation of People Act, 1951, Model Code of Conduct and Article 371A.
Minority Wing President Bishnu Bhattacharjee said the wing would focus initially on Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima, with greater participation of youth and women, and proposed livelihood assistance, including driving licences, permits and employment avenues for at least 50 eligible youth in Dimapur.
Public Grievances Cell Convenor Z Neikuo Lhousa said the cell as a bridge between the leadership and the public, while Medical Cell Convenor Dr Kaito Jakhalu outlined plans for healthcare outreach camps for underprivileged communities, pending party approval.
Central Farmers’ Wing President Y Vikheho Swu called for greater implementation of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and proposed vegetable hubs in all 60 Assembly constituencies to improve market access and reduce farmers' dependence on intermediaries.
The programme opened with an invocation by K Mangyangpula Chang, Working President of the Central Women Wing, and closed with a vote of thanks by N Akok Longkumer, President of the Central Youth Wing, and benediction by S. Akho Leyri, Vice President (Administration).
