Kohima, 21 October (MTNews): After an illustrious tenure of over two decades as President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu has stepped down from his leadership role within the party while Apong Pongener from NPF Mokokchung Division was appointed as the new president of the party for the tenure 2024- 2028. This transition took place at the General Convention-cum-61st Foundation Day of the Naga People’s Front, which was held on 21 October at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.
“I am born to this party, and I am a life member of this party. Whether I remain holding a post or not, it makes no difference for me …,” the outgoing president Dr Shürhozelie said.
During the convention, Dr Liezietsu’s significant contributions and sacrifices for the party over the past 50 years were acknowledged and celebrated.
However, the convention also featured a dramatic walkout from the 16 Pfutsero AC NPF Unit, expressing their dissatisfaction with some of the newly inducted members. MLA Achumbemo Kikon clarified the issue to a local media outlet later that they were not satisfied with the retention of one or two old members as party leaders.
“Whatever has happened today should be taken positively because it proves internal democracy within the party,” he said, adding that the issue will be resolved soon.
Except for that small discrepancy, in a unanimous and resolute decision, the Convention endorsed the choice made by the Central Election Board in selecting a fresh team of Central Office Bearers and Central Frontals for the forthcoming tenure, spanning from 2024 to 2028.
The Election Board announced NPF central frontal heads for 2024-2028 with Apong Pongener as the NPF President, Süpoyi Vezhu as president NPF Central Youth Wing, Yanhola Yim-president NPF Central Women Wing, T Yangyam Phom- president Central Farmers’ Wing and Bishnu Bhattacharjee as president Central Minority Wing. NPF outgoing president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu administered oath to the newly elected central office bearers and frontal heads for the tenure 2024-2028.
The NPF adopted six resolutions at the convention. The party committed itself to working with unwavering discipline under the new President. It also acknowledged the contributions of Dr Shürhozelie who sacrificed for the party for the past 50 years. The convention also upheld the leadership of Kuzhulozo Azo Neinu as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party.
The NPF expressed its appreciation to the NPF Manipur State Unit for its constant support rendered to the Central Office and to the party in general.
Furthermore, the Convention reaffirmed its earlier resolutions for an honorable, acceptable, and inclusive solution to the protracted Naga Political Issue and called upon the Naga people to be conscious of their political history and work cohesively to achieve their shared goals through peaceful means.
The Convention thanked all the well-wishers of the party across the length and breadth of the contiguous Naga inhabited areas and beyond for their unceasing support to the NPF through thick and thin and appealed to support even in the days to come.