North East Leaders Unite: "One North East" Forms Historic Regional Political Alliance

The announcement was made in New Delhi.

In a landmark development, key political figures from the North East region of India have declared their intention to unite under a single political umbrella called "One North East." These leaders have agreed to merge their respective political parties into one consolidated entity that will represent the collective aspirations of the North Eastern populace.

The historic announcement took place in New Delhi, with Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) President Conrad K Sangma, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya, former BJP National Spokesperson and Nagaland Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, and People's Party Assam founder Daniel Langthasa, alongside other prominent North Eastern leaders, signing a joint declaration committing to establish this unified front.

The document, titled "Joint Statement - One North East," expressed that these leaders had convened to make a momentous and collective announcement - the convergence of various regional voices to form a united political entity truly representing the people's aspirations. "For too long, we, the younger generation leaders of the North East, have spoken about the same issues and concerns of our people, but from different platforms and political spaces. We have realised that our strength lies in unity and that it is time to give our people one collective voice," stated the declaration.

The statement further elaborated that the leaders have committed to uphold the ideals of great predecessors who fought for regional identity and development by uniting under a shared vision for the future.

The announcement marks the initial step toward building this common platform. To advance this initiative, the leaders have established a committee that will consider future actions, including the structure and modalities of the proposed political entity. The leaders emphasized that their effort stems from the conviction that North East citizens deserve to be heard, respected, and represented through a strong, unified, and indigenous political voice at the national level. "Together, we stand committed to building a stronger, more united North East," the statement concluded.

In conversation with NDTV, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted that the leaders had recognized the importance of collective strength. "We have always spoken from different platforms, but we believe in unity. We have decided to come together for a brighter future for the North East. We have constituted a committee to decide the future course of action towards a united political entity for the region," he stated. Sangma added that the nine-member committee, convened by James Sangma, will finalize the modalities and principles within 45 days. "We are part of the central government and state governments. We do not want to fight against each other, but fight together for the progress of the North East. We are committed to making the North East number one," Conrad Sangma told NDTV.

Pradyot Bikram Manikya remarked that this unification was long overdue. "Till now, we have spoken as individual entities from different platforms, but now we have all come together. Keeping personal egos and interests aside, we have formed one political entity. We will not only focus on the North East but also represent our people beyond the region, especially in metro cities," he explained.

According to the leaders, this initiative draws inspiration from the legacy of those who selflessly fought for the North East's identity and development. It aims to create a common political voice under the principle of "One Flag, One Symbol, One Entity" for a stronger and more unified North East region.