1. Five NPP MLAs, along with Chief Minister and NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, during their merger with the party on October 1. (Photo Courtesy: NPF)
Kohima, October 1 (MExN): In a latest political development in Nagaland, five elected members of the National People's Party (NPP) of the 14th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly joined the Naga People's Front (NPF).
The five NPP MLAs are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (48 Moka AC), Nuklutoshi (22 Arkakong AC), C. Kipili Sangtam (59 Seyochung-Sitimi AC), Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (9 Kohima Town AC), and Benei M. Lamthiu (57 Thonoknyu AC).
The merger took place in Dimapur on October 1 in the presence of Chief Minister and NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio, NPF Adviser & Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, and other senior leaders of the party, an update from the NPF Press Bureau stated.
The five legislators were later paraded before the NLA Speaker, and all relevant documents pertaining to the merger were submitted, it added.
Following this, the NLA Secretariat formally notified the merger under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, effective from October 1, 2026.
According to the NPF, the five MLAs stated that they have merged voluntarily with the regional party, reposing their faith in the leadership of NPF President and Chief Minister Rio while subscribing to the ideology and policies of the party.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rio termed the decision a “welcome step” and stated that the NPF truly represents the identity and aspirations of the Naga people.
He expressed confidence that with their joining, the regional force will be further strengthened.
With this addition, the number of NPF members in the 60-member NLA has risen to 38.
This is the third major consolidation of the NPF party in recent times.
In October last year, the erstwhile Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) merged with the NPF, and the NLA notified the formal merger of 31 NDPP members with the NPF, effective from October 18.
On July 11 this year, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) also merged with the NPF party.
