When we stand individually, our voices often remain suppressed. But when we come together, we become stronger. – Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya
Shillong, Nov 28: The newly formed political platform ‘One Northeast’ led by Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) chief Conrad K Sangma staged a spectacular show of regional solidarity at the forum’s first ever public rally held at Agartala on Thursday.
The rally attended by other prominent northeastern leaders, including Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, People’s Party (Assam) founder Daniel Langthasa, former Nagaland minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front’s Ajoy Edwards, NPP working president James PK Sangma, senior Manipur leader RK Meghen, and former Manipur Speaker Hemochandra Singh, called for a stronger, collective voice for the indigenous communities of the region.
Thousands of people coming from different parts of the region converged at Astabal Ground, Agartala to witness the grand show of solidarity and unity among leaders from the region.
The rally followed the landmark press conference held on 4 November 2025 in New Delhi, where the 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.
TIPRA Motha Party president BK Hrangkhawl, TTAADC chairman Jagadish Debbaram, TTAADC CEM Purna Chandra Jamatia, Tripura ministers Animesh Debbarma and 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.”
“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,” Sangma added.
Later, addressing reporters after the unique display of cross-party unity, the Meghalaya Chief Minister emphasised that the initiative is not targeted against any political entity but aims to ensure that the region’s concerns are heard at the national level.
“It’s very simple — when we stand individually, our voices often remain suppressed. But when we come together, we become stronger,” he said.
“This platform is about bringing our concerns, strengths and collective voice together so that no one feels alone. I’m happy to see the response we are getting,” he said.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also said leaders from diverse communities, states and political backgrounds joining the platform sends “a strong message that the indigenous people of the Northeast are ready to work and fight together for the present and future generations.”
In his address, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Manikya Debbarma highlighted the challenges faced in organising the event, including last-minute cancellations and travel disruptions that prevented many supporters from attending.
“Many trains were cancelled this morning and several people were not allowed to come. But I am happy with the turnout,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to all leaders who travelled from across the Northeast to join the historic event, saying, “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.”
“We have all been saying the same things from different platforms. Now the time has come for the indigenous people of the Northeast to speak in one united voice — for our survival, existence and future,” he said.
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.
