The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken strong exception to the views expressed by former Minister K Therie, stating that his remarks misrepresented the party’s principles and contributions.
“While acknowledging his right to critique, we find it necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations in his statement and reassure the people of Nagaland about the stand and integrity of our NPF,” the party said in a statement.
The NPF reaffirmed that the Cock symbol, which has been its identity for decades, “continues to carry the legacy of our pioneers who worked with sincerity, integrity and vision.” Rejecting claims that the symbol has lost meaning, the party said it “remains a strong reminder of Naga unity, political struggle and democratic participation.”
On allegations that the NPF and NDPP have “surrendered to Hindutva” or become “anti-Christian,” the party said such charges were “unfounded and misleading.” According to the statement, “The NPF has consistently upheld secularism, inclusivity and respect for all faiths. Political discussions and alliance negotiations are part of democratic processes.”
The party cautioned against attempts to undermine its ongoing efforts to consolidate a regional front with the NDPP. “Any individual or organization trying to sabotage through their utterances the ongoing process of NPF and NDPP coming together at one regional front will not have any relevancy,” it asserted, adding that the leadership of both parties were engaged in “serious dialogue” toward unity.
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Responding to Therie’s remark that “absolute power corrupts absolutely,” the NPF termed it a “personal attack that does not stand the test of facts.” The party maintained that governance must be judged by policies and delivery, pointing to programs in education, rural development and infrastructure that it said benefit citizens.
The NPF also rejected claims linking it to the May 3, 2023 violence in Manipur. Calling such allegations “deeply irresponsible,” the party said it has always stood for peace and protection of all communities. It explained that the violence broke out after the All-Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) organised a rally against the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei community.
“Both Christian churches and Hindu temples were attacked, and tragically many homes were destroyed on both sides. Significantly, Nagas and their places of worship were not targeted, which establishes that the violence was an ethnic clash fuelled by rumours and misunderstandings, not a one-sided religious cleansing,” the party stated. It added that to attribute such events “simplistically to political sponsorship is misleading and insensitive to the victims on all sides.”
The NPF stressed that it agrees the Nagaland Legislative Assembly “should leave a positive legacy, not a subverted one,” and pledged to continue upholding transparency, accountability and people-centric governance.
Reassuring its stand, the party said, “The NPF assures the people that it remains steadfast in its principles and will work with sincerity to protect the interests of Nagaland and its citizens.” It also appealed to all political leaders, including K. Therie, to “engage in constructive dialogue and contribute meaningfully towards building a peaceful and prosperous Nagaland.”
The statement added: “The Party appeal to entire Naga community to uphold the Party in your prayer in strengthening the regional force as adopted by CEC in its meeting on 6th September 2025.”
