NPF Bolsters Ranks as Minister Kenye Urges Unity Amid Regional Tensions

Kohima: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) 17th Chizami Area Unit swore in new village and town office-bearers at Chizami Town Hall on July 30. Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K.G. Kenye led the event, demanding strict adherence to the party constitution. He told the crowd, "Every nation, religion and organisation functions according to a constitution."

Kenye addressed the shifting regional security climate. He warned that the Chizami constituency shares a porous border with Manipur, where conflict between Nagas, Meiteis, and Kukis continues to escalate. He urged local residents to monitor cross-border movement closely. Nagaland must avoid being drawn into external wars, he stated. The minister also noted the sensitive nature of the Northeast due to its international borders.

Regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, Kenye tracked the issue back to a 2010 memorandum submitted by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation. The process gained traction in 2023, reaching an advanced stage following a February 5, 2026, tripartite agreement. On the broader Naga political issue, he blamed the proliferation of Naga Political Groups for stalling progress. He called for unified demands to secure lasting peace.

Chubutse Naro, president of the NPF Phek Division, administered the oath. Local advisors Ciekrosayi Lohe, Salünyi Krocha, Shekhozo Thülüo, Ngaonyi Lea, Nievotso Medeo, Ciekhurayi Vadeo, Kelhouvelo Tsuzuh, Vezopa Wezah, and Cekropa Tenenu pressed members to focus on inclusive growth. Working president Zulhite Tsido praised the unification of diverse political factions under the NPF banner in Chizami.

In a separate development, 28 members of the National People’s Party (NPP) Kohima District defected to the NPF. The group includes eight executive members, 10 youth wing members, and 10 women’s wing members from the 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency. They cited the inclusive governance of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as their primary motivation for switching sides. The NPF Chizami unit formally reaffirmed its support for both Kenye and Rio during the ceremony.