Kohima: MLA and Secretary General of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Achumbemo Kikon, on Tuesday raised serious concerns over racial discrimination against people from the Northeast residing in mainland India, during the ongoing 8th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Calling the issue a matter of “serious” concern, Kikon said discrimination against Northeasterners undermines the spirit of unity and democracy in the country.
“A serious expression of this house has to be sent to the mainland India, that for the progress of India, for upholding democracy, we all are a part of this nation,” he said.
Such discrimination towards the people from the region cannot be tolerated, he asserted, urging the House to send out a strong message condemning such acts.
The MLA’s remarks came during the first Assembly session following the consolidation of two regional parties in Nagaland. Referring to the 2023 Assembly elections, Kikon noted that both the NPF and the erstwhile Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) had sought separate mandates from the people.
After the results, there was a strong wish expressed by individuals, organisations, and even church bodies that the regional parties should come together, he said. “With the best wishes of the Naga people, we have successfully consolidated our party.”
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Kikon informed the House that the leader of the House and Chief Minister had been elected as President of the NPF with effect from October 21, 2025. He congratulated the Chief Minister through the Chair, stating that the consolidation marked a significant moment for regional politics in the state.
Highlighting the party’s strength, Kikon said the NPF, described as the second-oldest regional party in India and the oldest in the Northeast, currently holds 34 seats in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which has a present strength of 59 members following the demise of one member. He added that the party also has five MLAs in Manipur, taking the total number of NPF legislators to 39, with the Chief Minister heading the party.
Kikon concluded by reiterating the need for unity and respect for constitutional values while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the people of the Northeast.
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