The Naga People's Front (NPF), originally founded as the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) on 21 October 1963 in Kohima, played a central role in shaping Nagaland's political, social, and cultural landscape. Initially conceived as an ad hoc party to unite the people during turbulent times, it adopted the symbol of a cock and the motto "Fide non armis" ("by faith and not arms"). Over the decades, the party underwent several name changes-from DPN to United Front of Nagaland (UFN), United Democratic Front (UDF), Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP), Naga People's Council (NPC), Nagaland People's Front (NPF) 2002, and finally Naga People's Front (NPF) in 2011-to adapt to evolving political circumstances.

The party began losing ground in the late 2010s as the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) emerged in 2017 amid political instability triggered by protests over Urban Local Bodies elections. Within nine months, NDPP contested state elections, formed a coalition government with the BJP, and secured two successive terms, with former NPF leader Neiphiu Rio playing a key role in its rise.

In April 2022, 21 NPF legislators merged with the NDPP, increasing the ruling party's strength to 42 and further diminishing the NPF's once-dominant presence in the state assembly. In the 2023 Nagaland Assembly elections, the NDPP-BJP pre-poll alliance retained power, winning a combined 37 of the 60 seats-25 for the NDPP and 12 for the BJP. Neiphiu Rio was re-elected as chief minister for a record fifth term.

Although discussions of the merger emerged publicly only in recent months, the NPF party had been considering it for over a year. The decision to merge with the NDPP was described as a strategic move aimed at strengthening regional politics in Nagaland.

Recently, the two regional parties have merged into the NPF, the state's and the Northeast region's "Grand Old Party".

Following the general conventions of the parties which was held separately, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly also notified that, in accordance with Rule 3(4) of the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019, Neiphiu Rio, has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party in the 14th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, effective October 18, 2025.

In a separate notification, the Assembly also declared that, under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India and in line with the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019, 31 members of the Nationalist NDPP have formally merged with the Naga People's Front (NPF) in the 14th House of the Assembly, effective October 18, 2025.

'Our voices will now be stronger'

In 2011, the party was rechristened as the present-day Naga People's Front (NPF), expanding its base into Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

As per party records, the NPF, one of India's oldest regional political parties, extended its reach with the aim of fostering emotional integration among all Nagas and other tribal communities, regardless of political boundaries or community affiliations, and serving the interests of 'marginalised' and 'deprived' communities.

The NPF Manipur State Unit was officially launched on 28 May 2011 at the Senapati district headquarters by party president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, in the presence of Rio, who was also the then chief minister of Nagaland. The event drew a record gathering of Nagas in Manipur and marked a significant turning point in the neighbouring state's political landscape, particularly for the Nagas and tribal communities, despite facing strong opposition from the Congress-led government and other local political parties.

At present, the Naga People's Front (NPF) has five sitting MLAs in Manipur: three from Ukhrul and one each from Senapati and Tamenglong. The MLAs are Leishiyo Keishing, 43 (ST), Phungyar AC; Ram Muivah, 44 (ST), Ukhrul AC; Khashim Vashum, 45 (ST), Chingai AC; Awangbow Newmai, 52 (ST), Tamei AC; and L. Dikho, 48 (ST), Mao AC.

Manipur state unit president Awangbow Newmai said the merger is similar to a "reincarnation" and that when it happens, it only becomes stronger.

"Against all odds, the party was launched in Manipur, and since then, it has continued to grow. Today, happiness knows no bounds," he added.

Although Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio had temporarily left the party, Newmai emphasised that "he has always been our leader and has remained committed to the party in Manipur. We are confident that the party will grow even stronger here."

Newmai said that in Manipur, both Nagas and non-Nagas have welcomed the merger. At one point, he said, there had been some confusion that the NPF would merge with the NDPP; however, in a rare and unexpected development, it was the ruling NDPP that merged with the NPF.

Welcoming the merger, Newmai said that the NPF unit in Manipur endorsed the decision of both parties, viewing it as a positive step toward greater unity and political strength for the Nagas.

Speaking to EastMojo, Honreikhui Kashung, general secretary of the NPF Manipur State Unit, observed that maintaining two regional parties was not appropriate for the Nagas or for political stability. "Over the past few years, we initiated groundwork to resolve our differences and merge into a single party," he added.

Recalling a meeting with Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio in Delhi, he said that Awangbow Newmai, president of the NPF Manipur State Unit, had emphasised that Rio is the leader of the Nagas and that having separate political parties did not reflect the unity of the Naga people.

"The central officials of our party also played a crucial role in bringing the two parties together, resulting in the merger as one political party for the Nagas," Kashung said.

From the Manipur side, he informed that a total of 327 active members attended the recent General Convention of the NPF in Kohima, where the merger of the NDPP into the NPF was unanimously approved by a show of hands.

"We believe that merging the NDPP into the NPF will strengthen the party politically and emotionally for the Nagas," he added.

Kashung said that the NPF, which already has an established presence in Manipur, now aims to further promote and strengthen the party in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh.

While the NPF was launched simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, it initially struggled in Arunachal due to hesitation among the Nagas there to openly assert their identity. "Now, however, they have realised the importance of unity and the spirit of being one people," Kashung shared.

He also clarified that, as a party formed under the Constitution of India, the NPF cannot operate in Myanmar. However, efforts are underway to mentor and promote a political figure from the Nagas' self-administered zone across the border.

Happa Taidong, president of the NPF Arunachal Pradesh unit, acknowledged the challenges of introducing a relatively new party in a state dominated by established political forces. "Many members left the party as it has not been in power, but we remain hopeful that the NPF can emerge as a major political force," he said.

Despite past electoral losses, Taidong emphasised that the party has not lost its determination, particularly in the Naga contiguous areas. "We have renewed resolve to contest upcoming polls, and we are actively working to enroll more members. The support of the party is crucial to establishing our presence here," he added.

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Taidong acknowledged that it will be a challenge to overcome the perception that the NPF has little presence in the area. He stressed the importance of touring different regions to raise awareness and sensitise people about the party's platform.

With the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections in Arunachal Pradesh, he noted that the party has an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future assembly polls. He also opined that projecting the NPF in western Arunachal Pradesh at present will be difficult and may incur losses for the party, as it is yet to be considered a major political party even in the Naga areas.

| What the NDPP-NPF merger means for Nagas and the rest of Northeast