RPP merges with ruling NPF as Nagaland CM links Naga unity to political solution

Kohima, July 11: The Rising People's Party (RPP) on Saturday formally merged with the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF).

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the merger would strengthen Naga unity and reaffirmed that resolving the decades-old Naga political issue remains the government's top priority.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the merger, Rio, who also serves as the NPF president, said the coming together of the two regional parties represented more than a political realignment.

"It is the convergence of people, ideas, experiences and aspirations in the larger interest of the Naga people," he said.

Rio said the opposition-less government in Nagaland reflected the collective resolve of all elected legislators to work together towards resolving the Naga political issue.

"The Naga political issue remains at the very top of the agenda of the Naga People's Front and the PDA government," he said, adding that the party would continue to facilitate efforts to create a conducive environment for an early and lasting political settlement.

Stating that the Naga people had waited for generations for a solution, the Chief Minister said the aspiration remained an "inclusive, honourable and acceptable" settlement that reflected the collective will of the people.

While acknowledging that the physical integration of Naga-inhabited areas across the Northeast may not be immediately achievable under the prevailing circumstances, Rio urged Nagas to continue striving for "emotional integration" by strengthening ties among communities and fostering a shared sense of identity.

"It has always been the aspiration of the Naga people to come together as one family under one administrative umbrella," he said, adding that although immediate physical integration might not be possible, the aspiration should never be abandoned.

Rio also appealed to Nagas in neighbouring Manipur, where Assembly elections are due, to strengthen the NPF and work towards building a common political platform representing Naga aspirations.

"Politics must not always be about differences and divisions. Politics must also be about building bridges, reconciliation and creating hope for future generations," he said.

Reiterating his government's development agenda, Rio said peace and development must go hand in hand. He highlighted the state's focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods, while ensuring greater participation of women and youth in development.

The merger was formally announced by NPF secretary general and Adviser Achumbemo Kikon, who welcomed the incoming RPP leaders and members. NPF working president Pusazo Luruo administered the oath to the new entrants.

The RPP was formed on October 2, 2020, and received recognition from the Election Commission of India in June 2021. The party, led by Joel Naga, projected itself as a regional alternative centred 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 in the state's urban local bodies.

PTI