A powerful ‘One North East’ rally in Agartala saw CM Conrad Sangma, Pradyot Debbarma and regional leaders unite to defend indigenous land, language and identity, pushing for a strong pan-Northeast political front against national party domination.
Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Conrad K. Sangma, along with several prominent tribal leaders from across the North-eastern states, on Thursday called for a renewed push toward unity under the banner of ‘One North East’.
Speaking at a massive rally held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, Sangma stressed that only collective strength can safeguard the region’s land rights, languages, customs and cultural heritage at a time when internal divisions threaten to weaken indigenous voices.
The rally was organised under the theme ‘One North East Thansa (Unity)’ by the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), the largest regional political force in Tripura and an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thousands gathered for the event, which was widely viewed as a major political statement ahead of upcoming electoral and administrative developments in Tripura and the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma warned that fragmentation within North-eastern communities was eroding their ability to push back against political marginalisation. “We have to protect our land, customs, languages and culture, and for that we are now united with ‘One North East’. Our predecessors fought relentlessly for the development of this region and for the welfare of the people. But today, internal divisions have weakened our collective voice,” Sangma said.
He emphasised that the region’s strength lies in its shared indigenous identity, adding, “We are divided into different communities, and our voices have weakened. We must remain united and move forward together to achieve our goals. Whatever challenges we face, we must fight them jointly.”
Sangma also acknowledged the efforts of TMP supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, praising his consistent advocacy for the rights of the indigenous people of Tripura.
TMP Chief Debbarma Hits Out at National Parties
TMP founder and former royal scion Pradyot Debbarma used the platform to issue a strong critique of national parties, accusing them of systematically diluting regional political strength across India. He alleged that while national parties like Congress and CPI(M) conduct public rallies in Agartala without resistance, TMP events are frequently targeted.
“There is no objection when CPI(M) and Congress hold rallies, but when TMP calls a public meeting, objections emerge,” he said, suggesting selective restrictions by the BJP-led state government. He added that the rally—delayed earlier due to denied permissions—was made possible only through perseverance and unity.
Debbarma argued that national parties have weakened regional parties in states such as Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha and Punjab. “People in Delhi do not like the people of the Northeast,” he claimed, asserting that indigenous communities must unite to resist political domination from outside the region.
Reiterating his longstanding demand for ‘Tipraland’ and ‘Greater Tipraland’, Debbarma declared, “One day we will definitely achieve Tipraland. It may not happen in five or ten years, but if we ensure unity among ourselves, we will surely achieve it.”
He stated that regional parties must work jointly to protect indigenous land, language and political rights, adding that ridicule and criticism from national political actors only strengthen his resolve. “Many people laugh at us, and the newspapers will again write nasty things about me. But I need no certificates from the media. The more you hit me, the stronger we shall bounce back.”
Calls for Regional Assertion and Indigenous Rights
The rally saw participation from influential leaders across Northeast India, including former Manipur Assembly Speaker Hemochandra Singh, Assam’s Dima Hasao leader Daniel Langthasa, NPP National Working President J. M. Sangma, former Nagaland Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, and Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front founder Ajoy Edwards. Their presence signaled what many observers consider the beginning of a coordinated regional political front aimed at resisting perceived dominance by national parties.
Speakers echoed the sentiment that indigenous communities are facing the dual threats of cultural erosion and political marginalisation. Langthasa emotionally recalled his father’s killing, attributing it to the deep-rooted hatred that continues to threaten the stability of tribal societies. Kikon warned that denying communities the right to learn in their own language constitutes a direct attack on their heritage.
Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma criticised national parties for treating regional outfits as “temporary foot soldiers,” citing examples of political opportunism in the Bodoland Territorial Council polls, where alliances shifted rapidly based on electoral gains.
Rising Momentum Toward a Pan-Northeast Regional Front
The rally comes on the heels of a significant summit held on November 4 in New Delhi, where the NPP, TMP and several other regional parties announced their intention to form a new political front representing the collective interests of the indigenous people of the Northeast. The proposed alliance aims to build a strong, unified platform that advocates for land rights, constitutional safeguards, political autonomy and protection of identity.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said a nine-member committee has been formed to draft the blueprint for this common platform within 45 days. J. M. Sangma will serve as the convener, while Mmhonlumo Kikon will act as the member secretary.
Regional analysts believe this pan-North-eastern alliance could significantly reshape political equations in the region, especially if the upcoming electoral cycles see coordinated campaigns under the ‘One North East’ banner.
TMP’s Stronghold and Pending Tribal Issues
The TMP currently governs the politically crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which covers two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area and is home to over 12 lakh people, 84% of whom belong to tribal communities. The party continues to demand early Village Committee elections in TTAADC areas and the deportation of illegal migrants who they claim threaten indigenous land and identity.
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As the movement for a united Northeastern front gains momentum, Thursday’s rally stands out as one of the most significant regional political events in recent years—signaling a rising tide of indigenous assertion, cultural confidence and calls for political autonomy.
