Chuchuyimpang villagers and NPF supporters gathered on February 6 to inaugurate the treasurer’s residence of Mr. and Mrs. Merentongzuk, treasurer of the 25 Mongoya AC, Chuchuyimpang Unit. Yimya Jamir, President of the 25 Mongoya AC, hoisted the party flag, marking a symbolic day for the community.
“A long-awaited one,” said Imtikumzuk Pongen, President of the NPF Chuchuyimpang Unit, reflecting the anticipation of villagers who have long supported the party.
While the ceremony celebrated the new residence, the gathering quickly turned into a discussion on Nagaland’s political scene. I Zulu Imsong, Chairman of the Village Council, spoke about the recent merger of NDPP into NPF.
“Last election, we had NDPP with a good manifesto, and people voted accordingly. But all of a sudden, on what grounds I don’t know, the party merged with NPF. We don’t play politics, so we often wonder why,” he said.
He added, “Mongoya voted for NDPP, but NPF was zero, and now NDPP party workers have all shifted to NPF. There is value in NPF today. This is a good thing. But we don’t know who is making this possible, and it must be set by certain regulations from the top, but I strongly believe that it has to be made genuinely understood by the people too.”
MLA and Advisor for the Sericulture Department and Minority Affairs, Imkongmar, addressed the merger’s rationale. “Naga NGOs and elders suggested it was not ideal to have many regional parties. They advised that the two parties come together, and hence, for the greater good of the Nagas, the two parties merged,” he explained.
He also stressed principled leadership: “The party is not under the elected member. When a political party leader becomes a puppet, the party will not move forward. Party leaders and elected members must mutually respect one another.”
“The parties are like a checkmate; they have the power to deny tickets to someone not performing well. Elected members are not beyond the political parties.”
Acknowledging his own inexperience, he said, “Being new to politics, I lack the experience of my seniors, but I am learning. Although I am a politician, I will not make promises I cannot fulfill, and I urge constituents not to mind when I deny them a favor.”
Nungsang, a senior and lifeline member of the NPF, reminded party workers to stay grounded in principle. “Party workers should not blindly follow the advisor, MLA, or cabinet minister. Today, many young politicians are concerned only with becoming MLAs or ministers, not about what they should do for their people. The NDPP-NPF merger is historic, but we don’t know what the 60 MLAs are thinking.” He added that 25 Mongoya AC must carefully consider its position regarding the Naga political movement.
Imtitemshi, Vice President of NPF Mokokchung Division, highlighted Chuchuyimpang’s historical loyalty to NPF despite its many name changes. “Chuchuyimpang is known for supporting NPF historically. Being one of the oldest regional parties in the Northeast and the oldest in Nagaland, Chuchuyimpang is lucky for its possible merger with NPF,” he said. He appealed to villagers to join hands to ensure NPF’s success in 2028 and urged representatives of the six current NPF constituencies to try understanding the condition of the people in Mokokchung.
Yangsümong, Advisor to 25 Mongoya AC, and Moasangba Jamir, Advisor of NPF Mokokchung Division, delivered short speeches emphasizing the importance of working hand in hand within the party and strengthening the relationship between Mokokchung and Chuchuyimpang villages.