After a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate joined Congress in September, 634 AAP Nagaland members merged with Naga People’s Front (NPF) at a merger ceremony held at the latter’s central office here on Monday.
Welcoming the AAP members, NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu asserted that the merger could be considered as a historical event for Nagaland, adding that the joining of AAP members would strengthen the opposition party.
He said AAP was a strong party ruling the National Capital region of Delhi and surviving against all odds despite being ill-treated by the ruling BJP at the Centre.
This was due to the support and unity of the common people, he stated.
He also lauded the State AAP leaders for their move to merge with NPF for fighting together in the State’s and national interest, while exuding confidence that the AAP members would not regret joining NPF and cherish their decision to make Nagas stronger.
Stressing that the opposition party’s priority was to bring the Naga political issue to an honourable solution, the NPF president said his party was only a facilitator to bring together NNPGs and Government of India.
He said the joining by AAP members had served as a morale booster to NPF to help bring it back to power.
In his brief address, former AAP convener Dr S Amos Longkumer announced that the decision to merge with NPF was unanimously agreed upon by all the members after a thorough analysis and proper consultations. It was agreed that they would work united for the growth of the State through the merger, he added.
Longkumer asserted that they had all joined with the clear intention and aspiration to rebuild NPF and work together for the growth of Naga community, with core focus on anti-corruption measures.
He said the AAP leaders felt the need to preserve NPF as it was the only pioneering regional political party in the State.
He added they all had faith on the party’s ability to cater to the needs of society within and outside the State under the leadership of Liezietsu.
Despite being in the opposition, Longkumer explained that the AAP members sought to work together with NPF for better transformation of the society and achieving sustainable growth for the Naga society. He clarified that they had joined not in search of personal wealth, fame or attention.
He also endorsed the decision of NPF leaders to reflect deeply and significantly on the commitment and aims of the AAP members.
Assuring to strengthen NPF, Longkumer claimed that the 634 AAP members were faithful, committed and principled, adding that they would all be effective to provide a reality check on policy and decision making.
“We will strengthen NPF and walk the extra mile for welfare of the people with the party’s principles by preserving traditional values and culture, retaining age-old heritage of the society bequeathed by our ancestors and protecting it and by being responsible towards each other,” he declared.
Speaking on the occasion, former AAP spokesperson Dr Lemwang Chuhwanglim highlighted the reason for merging with NPF, pointing out that had they wanted money and power, they would have joined some other party.
He assured to work with commitment and determination for the society.
The programme was chaired by NPF secretary general and Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye, while party’s central minority wing president Bishnu Bhattacharjee delivered the welcome address.