Former RPP chief appointed Assistant in-charge of Dimapur Division as party ends nearly five-year independent journey
The Rising People’s Party (RPP) on Saturday formally merged with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), ending its nearly five-year journey as an independent regional political party, with its president Joel Naga immediately being entrusted with a key organisational responsibility in the NPF.
An assignment order issued by NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon appointed Joel Naga, Vice President (Central Office Bearers), as Assistant in-charge of the party’s Dimapur Division with immediate effect for the 2025–2030 tenure.
The merger was announced at a program in Kohima attended by Chief Minister and NPF president Neiphiu Rio, senior party leaders and members of the erstwhile RPP.
Addressing the gathering, Rio described the merger as more than the coming together of two political parties, saying it represented the convergence of “people, ideas, experiences and aspirations” in the larger interest of the Naga people.
Reiterating that the Naga political issue remained the NPF’s highest priority, Rio said the party and the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government would continue to facilitate an early, honourable and acceptable political solution.
He also called for greater unity among Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar, saying geographical boundaries should not weaken the shared identity of the Naga people. While acknowledging that physical integration of Naga-inhabited areas may not be immediately achievable, he stressed the need to work towards “emotional integration” by strengthening ties among Naga communities.
Rio further said politics should not be confined to differences and divisions but should also focus on reconciliation, bridge-building and creating hope for future generations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing peace alongside development through improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.
The RPP, formed on October 2, 2020 and registered with the Election Commission of India in June 2021, emerged as a regional political alternative campaigning on clean governance and electoral reforms. However, it failed to win any seat in the 2023 Nagaland Assembly election and currently has no representation in the 60-member Assembly or urban local bodies.
Announcing the merger, Joel Naga described the occasion as a “going home” moment, saying the RPP was returning to the party that had upheld the vision of “Nagaism” since its inception in 1963.
He said the decision followed the merger of the NDPP and NPF last year and the NPF’s appeal to regional parties and like-minded individuals to strengthen the regional political platform.
Joel said the merger reflected the shared ideological commitment of both parties and assured the NPF leadership of the former RPP’s full commitment to the party’s principles and discipline.
The merger was formally declared by NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, while the oath of office to the incoming members was administered by NPF Working President Pusazo Luruo. Several former RPP leaders were also inducted into the NPF’s central organisational structure.
(With inputs from PTI)
