Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 19
In a significant political development, Aam Aadmi Party AAP Nagaland (AAPN) today merged with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and assured to work together for better growth of the Naga community with core focus on anti-corruption.
AAPN contested in the last state general elections in three assembly constituencies.
“It is a historic day to witness AAP merging with NPF,” the Party Convenor Dr S Amos Lkr said while addressing the merger ceremony at NPF Central HQ here. He said the AAPN unanimously and willingly agreed to merge with the NPF after a thorough analysis and preparation towards working in unity for the growth of the state through the joint venture of the two political parties.
Dr Amos said the party members with a clear intention and aspiration of rebuilding and building the NPF aims to work together for the better growth of the Naga community in ever weak and poor areas with a core focus on anti corruption.
He said the members of AAPN made a clear intention to the NPF and the common people of Nagaland that despite being the opposition political party in the state, the members seek to join hands together to work for better transformation of the society and the sustainable growth of political party but not in search of fame, personal wealth and attention.
“We will strengthen the NPF Party and walk an extra mile for the welfare of the people with its principles by preserving the culture, traditional values which is the need of the hour,” the convenor added.
NPF President Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu described the AAPN’s decision for merger as “historic” and appreciated the latter for coming together and to fight for the right and the interest of the people.
The merger has strengthened the party, he said adding, “AAPN will cherish the step taken today and make the people of Nagaland stronger.”
Dr Liezietsu also informed that the priority of the NPF is to solve the Naga political problem. “If we do not solve the Naga political problem our future remains uncertain. Nagaland is a small state but can remain strong if our people come together and take a common stand,” he said.
He added the NPF will continue its policy to play the role of facilitator till such time the settlement comes. “We want honorable and amicable settlement,” Dr. Liezietsu said. NPF Secretary General and MP (Rajya Sabha) Kewezu G. Kenye said that all the 634 AAP members which merged with the party today will be enrolled as active member.
He also described it as “historic and rare,” as it is very uncommon that other parties merge with an opposition party. AAPN Spokesperson Dr Lemwang Chuhwanglim said it merged with NPF with “genuineness and commitment” and said it would add more energy to the party.
“I look forward for a successful journey together, produce more sound and bring justice,” he added. Bishnu Bhattacharjee, president NPF central minority wing said that he sees a bright future of the party through the merger with AAPN.
