Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the Nagaland People’s Front, NPF party has extended support to the UPA Government in Delhi in the greater interest of the State and the people, as Nagas need support and cooperation of Delhi. Speaking during the fifth General Convention of NPF held at Indira Gandhi stadium, Kohima today, Mr. Rio said it is crucial that Nagas maintain positive relation with the Central Government in the view of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process which has entered a critical stage. Meanwhile, the ruling Nagaland People’s Front, NPF today in its convention welcomed the merger of state BJP unit with it following the changed political scenario in the country after the parliamentary election. In a resolution the party convention appealed to both the centre and the Naga underground groups to expedite peace negotiations in order to bring a lasting settlement to the protracted Naga political conflict. The NPF party also endorsed the decision of the state government to use the slogans of ‘Nagaland: Land of festivals’ and ‘Hornbill festival: Festival of Festivals’ for promoting tourism sector in the state.