Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been unanimously elected as the President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) following the merger between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the NPF.
The decision was taken during the General Convention of the NPF held on Tuesday, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, coinciding with the 63rd Foundation Day of the party. The event saw the participation of around 5,000 active party members.
The convention unanimously approved the merger of the NDPP with the NPF through a show of hands by all members present, formally ratifying the resolutions adopted earlier by the Central Office Bearers (COB) and the Central Executive Council (CEC) on October 18.
The General Convention also elected a new team of Central Office Bearers, Central Executive Council members, and leaders of various frontals and cells for the 2025–2030 tenure, led by Rio as President, marking his return to the party he helped build.
The convention further extended full confidence and support to Rio’s leadership both as Chief Minister of Nagaland and as NPF President.
Through a resolution, the gathering expressed deep appreciation for the “bold decision” of the NDPP, under the leadership of its president Chingwang Konyak, and for the “sagacious guidance” of Rio in facilitating what the party described as a “historic consensus to unify two regional parties into one strong political entity.”
The NPF convention reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Nagaland and to remain a contributing member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
The resolution emphasised the need to consolidate these alliances to accelerate inclusive development, promote progress across sectors, and contribute meaningfully to peace efforts in Nagaland and neighbouring Manipur.
Riterating its long-standing stand, the General Convention stressed that an early, honourable, and inclusive settlement of the Naga political issue remains indispensable.
It urged the Government of India and the Naga political groups to expedite negotiations and arrive at a solution that is “honourable, acceptable, and inclusive.”
Further, the party reiterated its earlier resolutions inviting former members and regional-minded citizens to rejoin the NPF in the larger interest of the Naga people.
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