The Naga People's Front (NPF), Central Headquarters, Kohima, Nagaland on Saturday held its general convention cum 61st foundation day at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima and reiterated its stand for early political settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem.

Giving his presidential speech, Shürhozelie Liezietsu highlighted how the foundation of the NPF was laid down by the elders in 1963. He said, as per history, the Naga people rejected the first and second general election of India in 1952 and 1957.

However, with the signing of the 16-point memorandum between the GoI and the Naga People's Convention in 1960, an interim government was installed in Nagaland.

"This party was formed with a purpose and a strong commitment to pave the way for upholding the right of the Naga people through democratic process," the outgoing president said.

He further stated that "we reiterate our stand to the people of Nagaland that NPF is the only regional party today representing the identity and the aspiration of the Naga people. We represent the Nagas broadly in all respects because this party is deeply rooted in the Naga society and in the unique history of the Naga people".

Our commitment is to protect, preserve and promote the socio-political identity, our rights and privileges as a unique people. We will continue to uphold this commitment which, we believe, no power on earth can destroy, he said.

Shürhozelie Liezietsu also said the "NPF will remain as the Northern Star under any circumstances. And, therefore, we will continue to strive to play our role as active facilitators for an early political settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem".

We stand for a political settlement which is acceptable, honourable and inclusive, he said, adding that NPF is a party of the people as its name indicates.

Manipur NPF MLA and Minister Awangbow Newmai, addressing the convention, hailed Shürhozelie Liezietsu, the outgoing president, for launching NPF in Manipur, calling him "Founding Father of NPF, Manipur".

Hailing the party as one of the strongest parties in the country, Minister Awangbow Newmai said that the NPF is one of those rare parties that hasn't changed its principles, ideology or words.

Stating that the NPF Manipur Unit will continue to support the NPF, Central Headquarters, he praised the two NPF MLAs of Nagaland for their stand amidst all adversities. Let's not be discouraged by our numbers in the Nagaland assembly, he said, adding that the NPF will return to power to lead once again in Nagaland.

MLA and Leader of NPFLP, NLA, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu called for full support to the new president of the NPF, Central Headquarters, adding that it is time to show the strength of the party.

The party has to grow and survive and only good leaders can do that, he said, adding, good leaders will always bring the people together while bad leaders will break up the party.

Attended by over 2,000 delegates from Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the convention cum foundation day saw Apong Ponganer Ao elected as the new president of the NPF, Central Headquarters, Kohima.

The new president, along with new executive members of the party, numbering over 70 pledged before the house and the gathering to work in principles of the party and for the Naga people.

The general convention cum foundation day was also attended by four NPF MLAs of Manipur except MLA Dikho. Manipur Outer Parliamentary MP Lorho also attended the event.