A committee will soon be constituted to define the structure, framework and positioning of the alliance — including whether it will continue its association with NEDA or take an independent route.
New Delhi, Nov 4: In a significant development in politics of North East, especially in the hilly regions, prominent leaders from across the region together launched a new platform, One North East, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The united regional platform, including NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, will strive to amplify the collective voice of the eight states on the national stage, according to a joint statement.
Termed a rare display of regional solidarity, One North East also has under its umbrella TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, former BJP leader from Nagaland Mmhonlumo Kikon and Assam’s Karbi Anglong-based People’s Party chief Daniel Langthasa among others.
The leaders said the new front will prioritise key regional issues — including land rights, checking infiltration from neighbouring countries, protecting the Sixth Schedule, and addressing racial discrimination faced by people from the North East.
“For too long, we have spoken about the same issues from different platforms. We now realise that our strength lies in unity — it’s time to give our people one collective voice,” the joint statement said.
Formation of One North East comes at a crucial time when regional parties are re-evaluating their alliances and autonomy within national coalitions.
While several of the leaders have been part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the new initiative signals a growing push for political self-determination and stronger indigenous representation.
A committee will soon be constituted to define the structure, framework and positioning of the alliance — including whether it will continue its association with NEDA or take an independent route.
“Our united effort is guided by a simple conviction — that the people of the North East deserve to be heard, respected, and represented through a strong, unified political voice,” the statement said.
Calling One North East a people-centric initiative, Chief Minister Sangma stressed that the front’s aim was not confrontation but collaboration.
“We are not here to fight any political party. Our focus is on the people — to create a single platform that speaks for their aspirations,” he said.
He added that protecting the land rights of indigenous communities will remain a central concern.
“In all past elections, whether it was NPP or TIPRA Motha, we fought separately. Now, we will fight together — for our land, our identity, and our future,” Sangma said.
In a collective message, the leaders noted: “Young leaders from across our region have come together with one shared vision — to unite our voices and form a single political platform that truly represents the aspirations of our people. Inspired by the legacy of our great leaders, we are taking the first step toward building a strong, collective voice for the North East.”
Echoing the sentiment, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman underlined the need to rise above individual ambitions.
“The time has come to build a platform with a pan-Northeast presence that works in the interest of our people. We share borders with several countries and face unique challenges — our strength lies in unity,” he said.
The announcement comes amid shifting regional alliances and evolving leadership dynamics, signalling a renewed effort to forge a stronger and more unified Northeast identity.
