NPP, TIPRA Motha, People’s Party and a former BJP leader from Nagaland announce merger plan
From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Three political parties in the Northeast, led by the National People’s Party (NPP), have started the process of becoming a “united singular political entity” under one name, one symbol, and one flag.
Their avowed objective is to represent the regional aspiration and make the “common voice” of the Northeast heard in national politics.
Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma, TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, former BJP national spokesperson and Nagaland minister Mmhonlümo Kikon, and Daniel Langthasa of People’s Party, Assam, jointly announced the decision here on Tuesday.
Sangma said that the name of the new party, its flag, and symbol will be announced later.
The formation of a pan-Northeast secular political entity would be a strong message to the Centre and the state governments, they said.
Responding to a question, Sangma made it clear that the new entity will not be against any national party but will contest all elections independently.
“We, the leaders from different states in the Northeast, have come together today to make a collective and historic announcement – the coming together of various voices of our region to form a united, singular political entity that truly represents the aspirations of our people,” he said.
The leaders of the proposed united entity remembered the legacy of leaders who made immense contributions to the region.
Debbarma said that the protection of the land rights of indigenous people is a primary concern. Illegal immigration from across the border is another major issue, he added.
Sangma seconded the TIPRA Motha leader and said that parties would merge at the right time.
“For too long, we, the younger generation leaders in the Northeast, 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,” Sangma said.
“Taking inspiration and vision from the legacy of great leaders who fought selflessly for the identity and development of our land, we have resolved to carry forward their ideals by coming together under the shared vision for the future of the Northeast. Today’s announcement marks the first step towards building this common platform,” he said.
A committee has been formed under the leadership of former Meghalaya Minister James P.K. Sangma to carry on the task ahead in consultation with others.
