Tripura University has cancelled the ‘One North East’ conclave scheduled for November 19, citing unavoidable circumstances. The event featuring Pradyot Kishore Debbarman aimed to introduce a new pan-Northeast political platform. Students and organisers await clarification and possible rescheduling.
Tripura University on Tuesday cancelled a much-anticipated one-day conclave on ‘One North East’, scheduled to be held on November 19, triggering speculation and disappointment among students, faculty members, and political observers. The decision, communicated through an official notification issued by the university registrar, cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason, without providing further clarification.
The conclave was expected to feature prominent political figure and Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, who recently declared that his regional party would merge with a proposed pan-Northeast political formation tentatively named ‘One North East’. The event, planned at MBB Auditorium inside the university campus, was arranged to facilitate interaction between Debbarman, faculty members, and students.
According to the university notification:
“This is to inform all concerned that the programme titled ‘One Day Conclave on One North East,’ scheduled to be held on 19th November 2025 at M. B. B. Auditorium of Tripura University, as notified earlier, stands cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances. This is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority of Tripura University.”
The sudden cancellation sparked immediate reactions, with many questioning the timing and the lack of explicit reasoning behind the move. The programme had reportedly been organised in collaboration with a group of NGOs and select faculty members, and preparations were already underway.
Pradyot Debbarman Expresses Disappointment but Remains Hopeful
Responding to the development, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman expressed disappointment but maintained a conciliatory tone.
“I was scheduled to attend a program at Tripura Central University, but I was informed of its cancellation at the last minute. I remain hopeful that I was meant to engage with students and faculty members. I trust that the authorities will provide me with another opportunity to interact with the students in the future,” he said.
Debbarman’s proposed political platform ‘One North East’ has recently gained attention as an emerging attempt to consolidate regional interests across the northeastern states. His presence at the university was perceived as an opportunity for students and academicians to understand the vision, structure, and objectives of this new political grouping.
No Clear Reason for Cancellation Sparks Speculation
Despite the widespread interest in the event, Tripura University’s notification did not provide any specific reason for withdrawing the programme. University sources claimed that the decision came “unexpectedly” and may have stemmed from administrative or procedural concerns. However, no official communication elaborated on the so-called “unavoidable circumstances.”
Some insiders suggested that the involvement of NGOs and external organisations may have required certain clearances or permissions, potentially contributing to the abrupt cancellation. Others speculated that the politically charged nature of the ‘One North East’ initiative might have influenced the university’s decision, although this remains unverified.
Objective of the Conclave: Introducing ‘One North East’
Sources familiar with the planning process stated that the conclave aimed to familiarise students and faculty members with the concept and long-term vision of ‘One North East’. The platform, still in its formative stage, is expected to emerge as a collective regional voice advocating for socioeconomic development, political empowerment, and stronger inter-state collaboration within the Northeast.
The organisers believed that the university setting would offer a neutral and constructive environment for meaningful dialogue about the future of the region’s political trajectory. The session was also expected to address questions related to identity, representation, tribal rights, and regional unity—issues often central to Debbarman’s political advocacy.
Students Await Clarification and Fresh Dates
The abrupt cancellation has left many students awaiting further clarification from the university authorities. Some expressed disappointment over losing the opportunity for direct engagement with a key regional leader. Others hoped that the university might reschedule the event with a new date after resolving whatever issues prompted the cancellation.
As of now, the university has not indicated whether the programme will be reorganised in the future. Meanwhile, political observers believe that the episode reflects the sensitivity and complexity surrounding emerging regional political movements in the Northeast.
| Also Read: ‘One North East’ Party aims to redefine regional politics |
For the moment, the cancelled ‘One North East’ conclave remains a missed opportunity for academic-political dialogue—one that many hope will soon be revived.
