All five legislators of the National People's Party (NPP) in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly have merged with the Naga People's Front (NPF), the regional party said on Thursday. The Speaker has formally recognised the merger.

According to a communique issued by the NPF's Central Headquarters in Kohima, the merger took place at Dimapur in the presence of NPF President and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Adviser and Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, and other senior party leaders.

The five legislators later appeared before the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and submitted the documents relating to the merger.

The MLAs are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (48 Moka), Nuklutoshi (22 Arkakong), C. Kipili Sangtam (59 Seyochung-Sitimi), Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (9 Kohima Town) and Benei M. Lamthiu (57 Thonoknyu).

In a notification dated Oct. 1, Assembly Secretary Khruohituonuo Rio said the Speaker had declared the merger under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection. The notification also cites the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019. It states that the merger of the five NPP members with the NPF is effective from Oct. 1, 2026.

According to the NPF's statement, the five MLAs said they had merged voluntarily, citing their faith in Rio's leadership and their acceptance of the NPF's ideology and policies.

Welcoming them, Rio said their decision to join the NPF, which he described as a party that represents the identity and aspirations of the Naga people, was a welcome step. He expressed confidence that the regional force would be further strengthened.