The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) convened its first official meeting following the formal inclusion of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, State BJP President Benjamin Yepthomi, NDPP Secretary General Abu Metha, NDPP Senior Vice President Rusemtong Longkumer, NPF President Apong Pongener, and NPF Secretary General and MLA Achumbemo Kikon.
During the session, the alliance unanimously adopted key resolutions, including expressions of appreciation to the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its support toward Nagaland’s development. The House also called on the Government of India and all negotiating parties in the Indo-Naga peace process to undertake sincere measures to carry the dialogue to a conclusion that is honorable, inclusive, and acceptable to the people.
The meeting formally welcomed the NPF as a full-fledged partner of the PDA and extended appreciation to the central leadership of the BJP for endorsing the inclusion. Members also passed a resolution to continue the alliance with the BJP in the state following the proposed merger of the NDPP and NPF.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Kikon said the NPF had been supporting the PDA government over the past two and a half years to create an opposition-less government with the objective of advancing the Naga peace process and sending a strong message of unity among the Naga people.
“The objective of supporting the government was to take the Naga peace process forward and demonstrate that if we have the political will to come together, it is possible. Hence, we have formed an opposition-less government,” Kikon said.
He clarified that while the NPF had supported the government previously, the party’s formal inclusion was made official only after President Apong Pongener’s communication to the Chief Minister on October 14. The meeting, he added, included members from all alliance partners—NDPP, BJP, and NPF—and passed resolutions to continue the alliance with the BJP and collectively pursue the Naga peace process.
Kikon also highlighted ongoing efforts to bring the NDPP and NPF together into a single political entity, with the merger expected to culminate on October 21.
“This is happening with the support of the Naga public, elders, and church leaders,” he said, expressing optimism that the merger would create an effective political body representing voices from grassroots to urban areas.
He noted the NPF’s influence beyond Nagaland, extending to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, and emphasized that the parties would continue to work for peace, development, and advancement of the Naga peace process.
Commenting on the merger process, Kikon said both parties were carefully observing procedural and constitutional aspects to ensure a smooth transition in organizational responsibilities. “With the blessings and support of people and leaders across generations, this merger will strengthen regional unity and contribute meaningfully to the Naga peace process,” he added.