Kohima, July 17: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) secretary general and member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Achumbemo Kikon opposed the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, asserting that a popular government should be installed. He also called on the state government to be sensitive to the people’s sufferings during natural calamities.
Kikon was speaking at the NPF Central Tour with a grand “Summing-Up Programme” at Bhandari town in Nagaland on Thursday. The final leg of the tour witnessed an impressive turnout of NPF leaders, workers, and supporters, reaffirming the “NPF’s growing momentum at all levels”, a statement from the NPF claimed.
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Addressing the gathering of over 700, NPF secretary general and legislator Achumbemo Kikon underlined the party’s resolve to defend Nagas’ rights, calling on people to stand united under the party’s banner for the sake of future generations. He recalled how the British-era artificial boundaries divided Nagas and urged civil society groups and all 60 legislators in the assembly to work collectively towards a political solution. “The NPF movement is still alive,” he added.
“It is not for money but for the commitment to defend Nagas’ rights,” Kikon said while welcoming new entrants to the party. Kikon said that while the NPF currently has two MLAs in Nagaland Legislative Assembly, “the party had produced seven chief ministers over 14 assembly elections and remains the only regional force capable of intervening with the Government of India and Naga political groups”.
NPF president Apong Pongener, in his presidential address, reaffirmed the party’s founding principle of peace. “Formed 62 years ago under the convenorship of A.Kevichüsa with the motto ‘Fide Non Armīs’ (By faith, not arms), NPF has stood the test of time in its mission to bring permanent peace to Nagaland,” he said.
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He regretted that despite efforts, including the resignation of 12 members at one point to achieve peace, the goal of permanent peace “has not yet seen the light.” Pongener noted the party’s “growing popularity” in Manipur and expressed hope of expanding its base to Arunachal Pradesh.
The Bhandari event, chaired by NPF Wokha Division president Meribemo Kinghen, saw participation from senior leaders including Youth Wing president Süpoyi Vezhu, Women Wing president Yanholà, Minority Wing president Bishnu Bhattacharjee, and others who stressed unity and discipline within party ranks, the NPF added.
(Newmai News Network)