North East Indigenous Leaders Unite: Conrad Sangma and Pradyot Manikya Spearhead Regional Coalition for Greater Political Influence

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Manikya gathered on Thursday to spearhead an initiative uniting regional parties across the North East, aiming to enhance the region's collective bargaining power.

During the 'One North East Unity' rally held in Tripura, both leaders emphasized that regional political entities often receive insufficient attention from national leadership.

This significant gathering follows a declaration made approximately three weeks earlier on November 4 in New Delhi, where leaders from various northeastern states announced plans to establish a unified political entity within 45 days to address regional concerns.

"When we stand as individuals without unity, our voices are inevitably suppressed or ignored, leaving us vulnerable in isolation," Conrad Sangma explained to media representatives. "This movement isn't about opposition to any particular group; it's fundamentally about fostering unity among ourselves. We aim to consolidate our voices, concerns, and strengths to advocate collectively for our issues, ensuring no community feels abandoned. I'm greatly encouraged by the positive response we're receiving."

Sangma further noted, "This collaboration will certainly create a meaningful impact as leaders representing different states, communities, and political affiliations come together. It sends a powerful message across the country that indigenous populations throughout the region are uniting to work and advocate collectively for both present needs and future generations."

The North East demonstrates its greatest strength through unity. Historically, communities have confronted challenges independently despite sharing similar aspirations and difficulties. Each group has separately advocated for language rights, land protection, and indigenous identity preservation. The time has arrived for collaborative action.

The rally concentrated on longstanding regional demands including protection of land rights, implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) systems in areas currently without such protections, and expanded autonomy for indigenous communities.

Speakers highlighted that these persistent issues, previously raised by separate northeastern groups, require coordinated advocacy efforts to achieve substantial policy reforms.

This gathering represents a noteworthy effort to unify regional influence under a shared platform.

Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Manikya declared, "Indigenous peoples across the northeast must now speak with one unified voice concerning our future, the welfare of coming generations, and our cultural revival and continued existence."

The Tipra Motha leader additionally expressed confidence that his vision of 'Greater Tipraland' – a concept that significantly contributed to TMP's political ascendance during the 2023 Assembly elections – will eventually become reality.

"While Greater Tipraland might not materialize immediately, we will achieve it within five or ten years," he asserted.

People's Party (Assam) leader Ajoy Edwards, Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front founder RK Meghan, and numerous other regional political figures participated in the unity rally.