Kohima: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma voiced his vision for the NPP to become the unified political platform the Northeast has long lacked.
Speaking at a gathering of NPP leaders and workers in Nagaland, Sangma emphasised the party’s commitment to addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the region while seizing emerging opportunities in its shifting political landscape.
Sangma highlighted the region’s historic underrepresentation in national decision-making, asserting that the NPP is positioned to fill this void if its cadre remains rooted, practical, and connected to the grassroots.
“A shift is underway in Northeast politics,” he said. “NPP has the potential to be the voice the region has been waiting for.”
Despite holding national party status, Sangma reiterated that the NPP’s core strength lies in its dedication to representing the indigenous and tribal communities of the Northeast. He pointed to the party’s growing influence, citing examples such as its increased vote share in Manipur from 6% in 2017 to nearly 17% in 2022, and its gains in Nagaland, where it grew from two to five MLAs in the 2023 elections.
Sangma underlined the NPP’s focus on key regional issues such as citizenship, identity, and economic development.
He stressed that the Northeast’s distinct cultural and political challenges require a strong, unified voice, and the NPP is committed to addressing them. “Building a political party in the Northeast is no easy task,” he said.
“But through perseverance and a focus on regional issues, the NPP has evolved from a local platform to one of India’s six national parties.”
Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments advocating for Indian languages over English, Sangma defended the use of English as an essential tool for the Northeast.
“English is our official language and connects us to the global economy. It enables our youth to work abroad and positions our states globally,” he explained, while also advocating for the preservation of indigenous languages like Khasi and Garo.
On the issue of Meghalaya’s rail connectivity, Sangma acknowledged the challenges posed by local opposition over concerns related to illegal immigration. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to exploring alternative safeguards while emphasizing the economic benefits of rail connectivity.
Sangma condemned the stereotyping of the Northeast as “unsafe” following the recent ‘honeymoon murder’ incident in Meghalaya, which briefly drew negative attention.
He praised the Meghalaya Police and the community for swift action, noting that many individuals, including those from Madhya Pradesh, issued public apologies for spreading misinformation.
He also announced plans to meet officials in Delhi to address a U.S. travel advisory stemming from the incident.
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Encouraging party workers to be proactive, Sangma urged the youth and women’s wings of the NPP to take the lead in addressing public issues.
He also congratulated party candidates on their recent successes in urban local body elections in Kohima and Dimapur, and welcomed 16 leaders from Congress and BJP into the party’s fold.
Looking ahead to the 2028 elections in Nagaland, Sangma expressed optimism about the NPP’s prospects, stating that early preparation and consistent grassroots efforts would strengthen the party’s position in future governance.
