In a historic development, prominent political leaders from across the North East have announced the formation of a unified political front titled “One North East.” The initiative aims to merge several regional parties into a single entity that will represent the shared aspirations and identity of the people of the region.
The announcement was made in New Delhi on Tuesday, November 4, where Meghalaya Chief Minister and 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, along with other North Eastern leaders, signed a joint statement pledging to create a common platform.
The statement, titled ”Joint Statement – One North East,” said the leaders had come together to make “a collective and historic announcement – the coming together of various voices of the region to form a united political entity that truly represents the aspirations of the people.” It noted, “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.”
The statement added that this marks the first step towards building the common platform and that a committee will be formed to determine the structure and modalities of the new political entity. “Together, we stand committed to building a stronger, more united North East,” it concluded.
Speaking to NDTV, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “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.” He added that the committee, convened by James Sangma, would finalise the modalities within 45 days.
Pradyot Bikram Manikya called the move long overdue, stating, “Keeping personal egos and interests aside, we have formed one political entity.” The leaders said the initiative is guided by the principle of ”One Flag, One Symbol, One Entity.”
