Kohima, June 1 -- All seven MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland joined the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, on Saturday. The merger gives the Rio-led NDPP an absolute majority in the 60-member assembly, increasing its tally from 25 to 32. Confirming the development, state parliamentary affairs minister KG Kenye said the NCP MLAs submitted their letter for merger to the assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer on Saturday evening. "The speaker has accepted their submission for merger to the NDPP party," Kenye said. A statement from the speaker's office said that the merger met the constitutional requirement under the Tenth Schedule. In line with the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019, the speaker approved the merger and directed the assembly secretariat to update party affiliation records accordingly, the order said. The MLAs are Namri Nchang of Tening, Picto Shohe of Atoizu, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe of Wokha Town, Y Mankhao Konyak of Mon Town, A Pongshi Phom of Longleng, P Longon of Noklak, and S Toiho Yeptho of Suruhoto....