SHILLONG, NOV 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National President of the National People’s Party (NPP), Conrad K. Sangma, on Thursday attended “The One North East Thansa (Unity) Rally” held at the Astabal Ground, Agartala and said, “The more separated we become ,the more our voices are not heard. The more the division amongst us, the more our problems go unheard. If a tree is alone, then even a storm can push it down. But trees together in a jungle can drive a storm away. Even history shows that strength is always greater when united. That is we should show unity in progressing forward.”
Thousands of people gathered to witness the grand show of solidarity and unity among leaders from the region during the first ever public rally of the One North East entity.
The rally followed the landmark press conference held on November 4, 2025 in New Delhi, where prominent regional leaders including Sangma jointly announced their vision of forming a single political platform to represent and amplify the collective aspirations of the North East.
Along with the Chief Minister, other prominent leaders from across the region participated in the mega rally. They include James P. K. Sangma, Working President, National People’s Party (NPP), Daniel Langthasa, Founder, People’s Party (Assam) and Former Member (MAC), Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Former Minister, Government of Nagaland, Author, Poet and Social Worker, R. K. Meghen, Senior Leader, Manipur, Hemochandra Singh, Former Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly and Former Minister, Government of Manipur, Ajoy Edwards, Founder & President, Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (Gorkhaland, Darjeeling).
In addition, key leaders of the TIPRA Motha Party Pradyot Bikram Manikya, Founder, TIPRA Motha Party; B. K. Hrangkhawl, President, TIPRA Motha Party; Jagadish Debbaram, Chairman, TTAADC; Purna Chandra Jamatia, CEM, TTAADC; Ministers Animesh Debbarma, Brishaketu Debbarma, and several MLAs, Executive Members, and MDCs of TIPRA Motha Party were also present in the rally.
Addressing the massive gathering, Sangma expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable turnout, describing the moment as profoundly emotional for the indigenous communities of the Northeast.
He underscored that while emotion has always been the greatest strength of the region’s people, it can also be a vulnerability, making unity essential in the face of any challenge.
“There are many people who’ll try to break us in different ways. But we should use our emotions in our strength to stay united. Your voices should be heard all over North East,” he said.
“It is time that we come together as One – One North East. Our biggest challenge today is the divisiveness within communities. From this stage, we must raise our voices and become One.”
Reflecting on the struggles and resilience of ancestors, Sangma acknowledged their efforts in preserving tribal identity through generations. While the region’s circumstances have evolved, he noted the continued importance of cultural heritage, language, and collective identity.
Highlighting the journey ahead, he acknowledged that the path will not be easy. However, he assured the gathering that obstacles will be faced collectively, solutions will be found together, and every step forward will be taken with pride.
“We once walked separate roads, but today we begin walking as one. No one will be left behind. This is our shared journey,” he stated, reaffirming commitment to working for the vision of a united Northeast.
Speaking on discrimination against the youth of Northeast, the NPP National President said, “It hurts every Northeastern when we hear about discrimination against us. We want our diversity to become one and with this thought and unity we can tackle every situation together.”
He also said that he wanted to raise “our voices” from this platform, adding that the more “we become separated, the weaker we become.”
In his address, Pradyot Bikram Manikya, Founder of TIPRA Motha Party, expressed gratitude to all leaders who travelled from across the Northeast to join the historic event.
He said, “A few years ago, we united the indigenous people of Tripura; today, we are taking a larger step by uniting the entire North East. This is only the beginning.”
Other leaders echoed the same sentiment emphasising that unity, and a shared vision for progress are essential for the region’s future. They lauded the initiative taken by Sangma and Pradyot Bikram Manikya in spearheading the effort to bring all North Eastern states on a single collaborative platform.
By Our Reporter
