NPF President calls for grassroots strengthening

March 24, 2025 5 Views No Comment

Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) President Apong Pongener has urged party workers to focus on strengthening the party at the grassroots level and launching an enrollment drive in key constituencies. Speaking at meetings in Peren and Dimapur districts, Pongener emphasized the importance of bolstering the party’s organizational structure despite its current representation of only two MLAs in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Addressing party workers in Jalukie, Peren, Pongener described NPF as the oldest regional party in the Northeast and the second oldest in India, maintaining its influence through grassroots support. “This is the time to strengthen the party,” he said, calling for membership expansion efforts in the Tening and Peren constituencies and urging workers to identify capable leaders. “If this is done, candidates will ultimately come,” he added.

Reflecting on his 53-year tenure with the party, Pongener acknowledged its political fluctuations but said NPF remains deeply rooted in the Naga political issue. He credited party pioneers such as Kevichüsa Angami and Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu for their sacrifices and highlighted NPF’s role in the ceasefire process, its registration with the Election Commission of India, and election boycotts in pursuit of a “permanent and inclusive” Naga political solution.

He also noted that while the party has undergone seven name changes, its core motto, Fide Non Armis (By Faith, Not by Arms), remains unchanged. The most recent name change—from Nagaland People’s Front to Naga People’s Front—was made to accommodate Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, where the party currently holds five legislative seats.

At the NPF Dimapur Division meeting, Pongener reiterated his commitment to the party, stating, “Over fifty years of service—I cannot run away from responsibilities. Today may be the worst era for the party, but anything good can happen in politics if we work hard and strengthen the organization.” He also underscored the need for improved party infrastructure, pointing out that while NPF has 14 divisions in the state, only nine have dedicated offices.

NPF Secretary General and MLA Achumbemo Kikon, also addressing the meeting, informed party workers that the NPF touring team has visited multiple districts, with plans to cover all divisions in the state. He urged members to focus on strengthening the party at all levels.

Kikon also reaffirmed NPF’s opposition to the One Nation, One Election proposal in the state assembly, stating, “NPF is strong and loved by the people because of its ideology.” He addressed concerns regarding NPF’s support for Nagaland’s opposition-less government, maintaining that the party remains committed to achieving a peaceful and honorable Naga political resolution.

Party leaders and divisional presidents from Kohima, Peren, and Dimapur also spoke at the meetings, emphasizing unity and grassroots mobilization efforts.