NPF Working President Pusazo Luruo administer oath to five erstwhile RPP leaders, with Joel Naga and Vitho Zao inducted into NPF COB as Vice Presidents, Amai Chingkhu as General Secretary COB, Likhro Kreo as Secretary COB and Zhokhoi Chuzho as Vice President (Central Youth Wing).
EC to be notified
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 11
In a new political development in Nagaland, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) has merged with Dr Neiphiu Rio led Naga People’s Front (NPF) party in Kohima on July 11.
Announcing an official declaration of the merger, NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said, “Today marks another very important, significant occasion for the party in particular and for the Nagas in general,” as it had manifested the longing for Naga unity and reconciliation.
Kikon stated that the RPP has heeded the clarion call issued by the NPF, which called upon all like-minded regional political parties to unite. He added that, by a majority decision, the RPP resolved to merge with the NPF in order to strengthen regional identity and create a strong regional voice on all matters, especially the Naga political issue.
Having completed all the constitutional requirements for the merger under both the NPF and RPP for the merger, he said, “I now declare that the merger of the RPP to NPF is officially confirmed and it is legitimate.”
“It is now without any legal hitches because all the provisions which are being guaranteed, which are being envisaged there as well as in our constitution have been fulfilled,” Kikon said adding that the merger will be officially communicated to the Election Commission of India.
The House accepted the merger by raising hands.
Later, NPF Working President Pusazo Luruo administered oath to five erstwhile RPP leaders, with Joel Naga and Vitho Zao inducted into NPF COB as Vice Presidents, Amai Chingkhu as General Secretary COB, Likhro Kreo as Secretary COB and Zhokhoi Chuzho as Vice President (Central Youth Wing).
Merger strengthens collective Naga voice
Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF President Dr Neiphiu Rio welcomed the merger of RPP led by Joel Naga into the NPF at NPF Central HQs, Kohima, as a step towards “unity and oneness” among the Naga people.
Dr Rio asserted that every instance of coming together strengthens the collective Naga voice and moves the community closer to its destination. “Today we are not merely witnessing the merger of two political organizations. We are witnessing the coming together of people, ideas, experiences and aspiration,” he said.
Calling for the emergence of one common Naga voice, he said, “It is only through unity we can reach our destination. It is only through stability that we can achieve all round- development and progress of our people.” He stressed the importance of moving forward together as ‘one family,’ with one purpose and with a renewed sense of responsibility towards the generations “that will follow us.”
NPF - a Naga institution
Making a statement of merger, RPP President Joel Naga said joining NPF was a privilege, not a right. “If one is committed to the larger Naga cause, this privilege is grantable,” he said.
He noted that NPF has championed “Nagaism” - an idea of upholding the ideals of Naga identity, tradition and unity, since its inception in 1963.
He noted that following the merger of the NDPP and NPF in October last year, and the NPF’s subsequent calls for regional parties and like-minded individuals to join them, the RPP concluded that it was the right time to align with the NPF. This decision was made under the leadership of CM Neiphiu Rio, whose vision of “Nagaism” resonated with the party. It also aligned with the RPP’s ideological commitments, “since the RPP and NPF share the same ideological outlook.”
“NPF is not merely a political party but a Naga institution, the edifice upon which Naga unity will be built and Naga aspiration fulfilled,” he added.
Maintain discipline and cohesion
Welcoming the merger, NPF President Emeritus and Advisor to CM, Chingwang Konyak hoped that today’s merger will further strengthen the NPF party in all levels.
“I am hoping that this will further strengthen NPF the party, and in the coming years, the NPF will become stronger and stronger, and we will come to power and serve the people,” he said.
He also appealed all the party men and women to maintain discipline and cohesion within the grassroots level.
Apong Pongener, Advisor to NPF President and CM, in his address said, “Today, as the Rising People’s Party merges with this mass-based Naga political movement, let us pledge to preserve our unity. And through that unity, let us rededicate ourselves to the service of our people.”
He emphasised that the NPF currently holds a strong and comfortable position in Nagaland with 34 MLAs. He also made a fervent appeal to all like-minded regional political parties to join forces with the NPF, in order to strengthen “collective resolve to protect and uphold the unique Naga identity.”
Meanwhile, Pongener announced that NPF will celebrate its 64th Foundation Day on October 21, 2026. It is the oldest registered regional party in Northeast India and the second oldest in the country, after the DMK (founded in 1949 by C.N. Annadurai).
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NPF Working President Ahovi Zhimomi with vote of thanks by Charlie Sekhose, Senior Vice President NPF.
