Kohima: Nagaland’s ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday formally approved a resolution to merge with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), a move hailed by party leaders as a historic step toward consolidating regional political forces.
The decision was taken during the NDPP’s sixth general convention held at the Capital Cultural Hall, which saw the participation of party president Chingwang Konyak, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, ministers, legislators, and party workers from across the state.
After extensive deliberations on the NPF’s proposal to amalgamate the two parties under the NPF banner, the house unanimously adopted the resolution in line with the NDPP constitution.
The resolution stated that the NDPP “welcomed and accepted the offer of the NPF to amalgamate and merge as one regional political party in the greater interest of the Naga cause and the Naga people.”
Describing the move as “mature and well-calibrated,” the NDPP expressed confidence that the merger would create a stronger, unified regional platform to represent the aspirations of the Naga people and contribute to a lasting resolution of the Naga political issue.
“The merger of the two regional political parties will further cement our dreams and aspirations of a vibrant and developed people,” the resolution added.
The NDPP also acknowledged the leadership of Konyak and Rio, crediting their “sheer dynamism and political presence” for steering the party to its current stature, and extended “unwavering support and endorsement” to both leaders to ensure a smooth merger process.
The resolution was moved by the NDPP resolution committee, comprising K G Kenye (convener), H Chuba Chang, Ahovi Zhimomi, Benjamin Lorin, and Merentoshi R Jamir (member secretary), and adopted by a show of hands.
The formal merger is scheduled to take place on October 21 during the NPF general convention, which also marks the party’s 63rd foundation day.
In the run-up to the convention, leaders from both NDPP and NPF are holding a series of closed-door meetings to finalise the transition process and select new office bearers.
The NDPP, formed by Rio in 2017 following his suspension from the NPF, is expected to return to the parent party under his leadership.
Sources indicated that Rio has been offered the NPF leadership, and he, along with Konyak, described the resolution as a “historic moment” aimed at fostering regional unity and strengthening the Naga cause.
Rio said the merger would mark “a new chapter in Naga political history,” creating a single, strong regional party capable of better representing Naga aspirations and addressing long-pending political issues.
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He lauded NDPP’s achievements since 2017, credited the party’s growth to dedicated leadership at all levels, and reaffirmed the NDPP-BJP alliance as crucial for stability and development.
Highlighting the role of the Election Commission, Rio noted that the dismissal of a deregistration case against the NDPP had cleared the path for the merger, calling it a “blessing.”
He urged party members to uphold the motto ‘Deeds, Not Words’ and recommit to peace, progress, and unity.
Earlier, Konyak recounted NDPP’s journey from its inception to becoming Nagaland’s largest regional political force, calling the merger a “historic consolidation of regional voices” and expressing confidence that the unified party under Rio’s leadership would usher in a new era of political stability and regional strength.
