Dimapur; September 2026: The Naga People's Front (NPF) has rejected veteran leader SC Jamir’s call for President’s Rule in Nagaland, describing the demand as undemocratic, while dismissing criticism of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by the Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland (CNFN).
In a rejoinder issued today the NPF asserted that the state had a democratically elected government and rejected Jamir’s claim that governance had “almost collapsed” and become “non-existent”. This is a sharp criticism of Jamir’s reported public statement in a programme in Dimapur on September 12, calling for President’s Rule. The NPF stated that the demand undermined the mandate of the elected government and argued that previous spells of President’s Rule in Nagaland had neither brought lasting stability nor advanced the Naga political issue.
The party said routine administration was functioning, development activities were continuing and the state government remained engaged with the Centre on the Naga political issue. The NPF has also rejected allegations that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s government was favouring a particular Naga political group. It maintained that the party had consistently advocated an inclusive settlement involving all Naga groups.
The party contrasted its policy of “equi-closeness” towards different sections of Naga society with the “equi-distance” approach during Jamir’s tenure. It also criticised references to a “Sabotage Club” or “Status Quo Club”, saying such labels could deepen divisions at a time when Naga unity was needed.
On the stalled peace process, the NPF attributed the delay to unresolved issues between the Naga groups and the government of India, rather than to any group allegedly operating within Nagaland.
While defending the PAC, the party said the committee was intended to help carry forward and conclude progress already made in the Naga negotiations, rather than reopen the talks. The party has explained that after the departure of former interlocutor RN Ravi, the talks had been handled at the level of a bureaucratic adviser, which it claimed had contributed to a loss of confidence among political parties and other stakeholders. It has reminded that a consultative meeting convened by the PAC with civil society organisations, tribal hohos, intellectuals and elected representatives had called for the talks to be upgraded to the political or ministerial level.
According to the NPF, such an arrangement would provide the political mandate needed to address the remaining issues and conclude a settlement. Responding to the CNFN’s questions over Rio’s announcement of a proposed ministerial committee, the NPF said the announcement followed a delegation led by the chief minister to New Delhi earlier this year. The delegation included members of the PAC sub-committee and both Nagaland MPs and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The party claimed that HM Amit Shah did give a positive assurance regarding the formation of a ministerial team, which Rio subsequently conveyed through the media and announced during a session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). The NPF also defended the composition of the PAC, saying it included political parties with elected representatives in the government as well as the state’s 02 MPs.
Rejecting the CNFN’s allegation that the committee had made a “mockery” of the NLA, the party said the PAC’s role was to facilitate an “honourable and inclusive” settlement. The NPF reiterated its call for the Centre to appoint a politically empowered interlocutor, saying the Naga people wanted a solution to the political issue rather than continued blame over the stalled negotiations.
The Youth Wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken exception to a Facebook post by one Bendangyanger Pongen praising former Nagaland Chief Minister S.C. Jamir following his meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while describing incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as “disconnected” from Naga issues.
“Dr. Jamir is a senior leader with a long record of service and we have no objection to such meetings. However, the Naga political issue is too sensitive to be reduced to personal comparisons based on a single meeting or photograph. While Nagaland Statehood was a milestone, it did not resolve the larger Naga question”, the Youth Wing stated in a press release.
Disagreeing with the claim that Rio is disconnected from Naga issues, the NPF Youth Wing said the Chief Minister directly represents Naga aspirations before the Government of India by virtue of the office. It further stated that Rio’s ongoing engagement with the Union Home Minister, along with the indication of ministerial-level talks with Naga groups, constituted a significant step in the peace process.
“The responsibilities of a sitting Chief Minister are far more complex than those of a former Chief Minister. What Nagas need today is unity and mature, factual discourse above personalities”, it stated, added that it stood by the continuing efforts of the Chief Minister and NPF president in pursuing the interests of the Naga people. The Youth Wing has also said it stood by the continuing efforts of the Chief Minister and NPF president in pursuing the interests of the Naga people.
On the claim of disconnection, we disagree. As sitting Chief Minister, Dr. Rio directly represents Naga aspirations before the Government of India, and his ongoing engagement with the Union Home Minister and indication of ministerial-level talks with Naga groups is a significant step in the peace process. The responsibilities of a sitting Chief Minister are far more complex than those of a former Chief Minister. What Nagas need today is unity and mature, factual discourse above personalities.
Team Maverick
