Former minister and Phek legislator Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, who has virtually got a fresh lease of political life, on Tuesday (Oct 21) welcomed the NDPP's merger with two-MLA strong Naga People's Front.
In his welcome address at the NPC general convention; he said chief minister Neiphiu Rio's return to the NPF "brings unparalleled joy, experience and stability to our collective endeavour".
"To the former NDPP President Chingwang Konyak and all his dedicated leaders and workers, we honour your political maturity and your courage in prioritizing the merger in the larger interest of the Nagas in general," he said.
Azo further said: "This decision to merge demonstrates a commitment to the greater cause of unity, strengthening our regional front as one voice and one family."
"This moment is already historic, but today it is amplified as we are not just witnessing a political alignment, we are celebrating a profound homecoming on this very day as we commemorate our founding day.
I wish each and everyone of you a Happy 63rd Foundation Day to the Naga People’s Front. Today marks not just a turning point, but a day of Destiny and Legacy.
"I welcome you to the Grand Old Party, the oldest regional party in the entire North East and the second oldest in the country.
This party was formed on October 21, 1963, just 40 days ahead of Nagaland’s statehood, originally as the Democratic Party of Nagaland and with time renamed as the Naga People’s Front in 2002, this institution has been the relentless guardian of the Naga soul, committed to protecting our unique identity, our culture, our traditions and our customary laws.
Azo said the NPF is "the steadfast platform" that has always championed the cause of the Indo-Naga Political Issue.
"We stand here today because of the foresight of our founding pioneers, including the first President, A. Kevichüsa, along with great leaders like T. Sakhrie, Megoto, Vizol, Tajan, and T. Aliba Imti. These visionary Leader knew that without a strong, unified regional voice, our interests would be vulnerable, and that we may even forget our roots and our aspirations for a SovereignNation, may be forgotten with time.
We thank them for their immense struggle and sacrifices that they have made to establish this party, symbolised by our enduring emblem, on which we stand today.
Lest we forget, This party was forged through commitment, sacrifice and struggle. Today, on our 63rd Foundation Day, we must unite ourselves to fulfil their ultimate aspiration, a dream of lasting stability, justice and a final, honourable resolution for the Naga people for a permanent settlement.
We are also deeply grateful to our most revered leader, the Honourable Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
A statesman... A visionary Leader and one of the longest serving Chief Ministers in the Country, it is a moment of profound joy to welcome him back to the fold, especially as a founding member of the NPF in the year 2002.
His return, along with the entire family of the erstwhile NDPP, brings unparalleled joy experience and stability to our collective endeavour.
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