NewzVille Desk
Chief Minister of Nagaland and President of Naga People’s Front (NPF) Neiphiu Rio yesterday said regional parties continue to play an important role in protecting Naga identity, culture and customary laws.
He was speaking at the distribution of NPF tickets for the Town Council By-election 2026 at the party’s Central Headquarters in Kohima.
Rio highlighted that the Election Commission of India had formally recognised the NDPP-NPF merger on May 4 this year, calling it a historic development.
He urged all party workers to embrace the moment as a ‘golden period’ and rededicate themselves to the service of the Naga people.
Describing the NPF a ‘Naga party’ and custodian of Naga identity, Mr Rio said that even if physical integration of all Naga areas was not possible, emotional and socio-cultural integration among all Nagas remained the responsibility of the party.
Rio also stressed the need for discipline within the party and adherence to the party constitution and anti-defection provisions, referring to past crises in local bodies in Kohima and Dimapur.
Meanwhile, NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said the upcoming by-election would be the first electoral test for the merged party.
The NPF tickets were issued to Neitsüu Kuotsu for Chumoukedima Ward 11 (Chaara), Along Lotha for Wokha Ward 8 (Tsumang B) and Shimavi Kiba for Atoizu Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki). Nominations for the by-election is till May 29, while polling is scheduled for June 16.
