Mokokchung, 1st October 2026 (Nokinketer News): In a significant political development in Nagaland, all five elected members of the National People’s Party (NPP) in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly have joined the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
The five legislators are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (48-Moka AC), Nuklutoshi (22-Arkakong AC), C. Kipili Sangtam (59-Seyochung-Sitimi AC), Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (9-Kohima Town AC) and Benei M. Lamthiu (57-Thonoknyu AC). The five are listed as NPP members of the 14th Assembly in legislative records.
The joining programme was held in Dimapur in the presence of Chief Minister and NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Adviser and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, and other senior party leaders.
Following the programme, the five legislators appeared before the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and submitted the relevant documents pertaining to their merger with the NPF.
In statements issued in connection with the development, the legislators said their decision to join the regional party was voluntary. They expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Neiphiu Rio and affirmed their support for the ideology and policies of the NPF.
Welcoming the five legislators into the party, Dr. Neiphiu Rio described their decision as a welcome development. He said the NPF represents the identity and aspirations of the Naga people and expressed confidence that the entry of the five MLAs would further strengthen the regional party in Nagaland.
The development comes amid continued political realignment in the state. In October 2025, the Speaker had formally declared the merger of 31 NDPP legislators with the NPF under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
