Agartala, Nov 27 — In a significant show of regional solidarity, Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) President Conrad K. Sangma, along with several prominent tribal leaders from across the Northeastern states, called for a united political front under the banner of ‘One North East’ to safeguard the land rights, customs, languages, and cultural identity of indigenous communities. The call was made at a massive rally held in Agartala, organised by the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a key ally in Tripura’s ruling coalition.
Addressing the gathering at the ‘One North East Thansa (Unity)’ rally, Sangma emphasised that unity among the region’s indigenous groups is essential to protect their collective heritage. He noted that while the Northeast has a proud history of leaders who fought for its development and welfare, the current internal divisions have weakened its collective voice. “We are divided into different communities, and our voices have weakened. To achieve our goals, we must remain united and fight together,” he said. The NPP chief also praised TMP supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma for his sustained efforts toward safeguarding indigenous interests.
TMP founder and Chairman Pradyot Debbarma, in his address, alleged discrimination against his party, claiming that objections are raised only when TMP holds public meetings in Agartala. He pointed out that parties like CPI(M) and Congress face no such resistance. Without naming the BJP-led government, he criticised national parties for attempting to weaken regional political forces, citing examples from Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Punjab. “People in Delhi do not like the people of the Northeast,” he claimed, reiterating TMP’s long-standing demand for a separate ‘Tipraland’.
Debbarma reaffirmed his commitment to achieving ‘Greater Tipraland’, a proposed state for indigenous communities under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. He also pressed for the early conduct of the long-pending Village Committee elections within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the deportation of illegal migrants. Since 2021, TMP has been governing the politically crucial 30-member TTAADC, which administers two-thirds of Tripura’s territory and is home to over 12 lakh people, 84 per cent of whom are tribals.
The rally witnessed the participation of several influential leaders from multiple Northeastern states, underscoring the growing momentum for a unified regional political front. Among those who addressed the gathering were former Manipur Speaker Hemochandra Singh, Assam’s People’s Party founder Daniel Langthasa, NPP National Working President J. M. Sangma, former BJP national spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon, Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front founder Ajoy Edwards, and veteran Manipur leader R. K. Meghen.
The political significance of the event was amplified by the recent decision of NPP, TMP, and other regional parties to form a new unified regional platform. Following a high-level summit in New Delhi on November 4, the parties agreed to create a common front aimed at safeguarding the rights and aspirations of the Northeast’s indigenous communities.
A nine-member committee has been formed to work out the structure and objectives of this proposed regional alliance within 45 days. NPP’s J. M. Sangma will serve as convener, while former Nagaland minister Mmhonlumo Kikon will act as member secretary. The formation of this committee signals a major political shift in the region, with leaders hoping that a united Northeast will wield greater influence in national decision-making.
