New Delhi/Agartala, Nov 4 (NationPress) The National People’s Party (NPP), the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), alongside various regional parties and leaders from the Northeastern states, declared on Tuesday the formation of a new regional political coalition aimed at championing the rights of the indigenous population in the area.

NPP chief and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, shared that a nine-member committee has been established to outline the specifics of the proposed unified platform within the next 45 days. The committee will be convened by J. M. Sangma, NPP’s National Working President, with former BJP spokesperson and Nagaland Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon taking on the role of member secretary.

All parties involved in this initiative will have representation on the committee.

This announcement was made during a media briefing at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.

The statement was endorsed by key figures including Conrad K. Sangma, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma of TMP, Mmhonlumo Kikon, and Daniel Langthasa, founder of the People’s Party from Assam’s Dima Hasao district.

CM Sangma emphasized that leaders from various Northeastern states have united to make a “collective and historic announcement” aimed at establishing a political entity that genuinely represents the region's populace.

“For too long, we, the younger generation of leaders from the Northeast, have discussed similar issues and concerns of our people, albeit from different platforms. We have recognized that our strength is in our unity, and it’s time to present our people with one unified voice,” he stated.

The NPP leader expressed that drawing inspiration from the vision and legacy of esteemed leaders who fought tirelessly for the identity and development of the region, “we have pledged to continue their ideals by joining forces under a common vision for the Northeast’s future.”

He further indicated that the announcement on Tuesday signifies a pivotal step towards establishing this shared platform. The nine-member committee will explore future actions, including the structure and modalities of the proposed political entity.

“Our collective endeavor stems from a fundamental belief that the people of the Northeast deserve to be acknowledged, respected, and represented through a robust, unified, and indigenous political voice at the national level,” the NPP head asserted.

He also clarified their continued association with the current Central government.

Former royalty of Tripura and founder of TMP, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, highlighted the necessity for articulation and unity in the Northeast. He underscored that the region shares extensive international borders with several countries and can collaboratively address issues such as the plight of minorities in Bangladesh.

The eight Northeastern states share a significant international boundary of 5,437 km with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, much of which remains unfenced, rugged, and porous.

“We harbor no personal or political motives. Our sole focus is the interests and issues of the Northeast's population under a unified leadership. We will collaborate, without opposition towards any party or individual,” Debbarma communicated to the press.

The TMP is an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, while the NPP is a participant in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NPP, recognized as the only national party from the Northeast, maintains its political presence and MLAs in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to its base in Meghalaya.

The BJP, holding two MLAs, supports the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.