Agartala, November 27 : In a landmark display of solidarity, thousands gathered at Astabal Ground, Agartala, on Thursday for “The One North East Thansa (Unity) Rally,” marking the maiden public event of the newly formed One North East political platform. Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) National President Conrad K. Sangma led the rally, joined by prominent regional leaders committed to championing the collective aspirations of the Northeast.
The rally followed the significant New Delhi press conference on November 4, where key regional leaders announced their intention to create a unified political forum to amplify the voice of the Northeast. Thursday’s gathering consolidated that vision with massive public participation.
A wide array of influential leaders from across the region shared the stage, including James P. K. Sangma, Working President, National People’s Party (NPP), Daniel Langthasa, Founder, People’s Party (Assam) and Former Member (MAC), Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Former Minister, Government of Nagaland, Author, Poet and Social Worker, R. K. Meghen, Senior Leader, Manipur, Hemochandra Singh, Former Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly and Former Minister, Government of Manipur, Ajoy Edwards, Founder & President, Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (Gorkhaland, Darjeeling).
A strong delegation from the TIPRA Motha Party also attended, led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya, Founder, TIPRA Motha Party; B. K. Hrangkhawl, President, TIPRA Motha Party; Jagadish Debbaram, Chairman, TTAADC; Purna Chandra Jamatia, CEM, TTAADC; Ministers Animesh Debbarma, Brishaketu Debbarma, and several MLAs, Executive Members, and MDCs of TIPRA Motha Party were also present in the rally.
Addressing the vast crowd, Conrad K. Sangma lauded the overwhelming support, calling the moment “deeply emotional” for indigenous communities. Emphasizing unity as the region’s greatest strength, he warned that emotions, while powerful, could also be exploited. “There are many who’ll try to break us. But we must use our emotions as strength to stay united. Your voices should echo across the Northeast,” he asserted. He urged communities to rise above divisions and embrace the identity of One North East, stressing that collective strength would ensure their voices are heard.
Reflecting on ancestral resilience, Sangma highlighted the need to preserve cultural heritage while adapting to changing times. He assured that challenges would be met collectively “We once walked separate roads, but today we begin walking as one. No one will be left behind.” He further condemned continued discrimination against Northeastern youth, calling for unity to fight such injustices.
Using the metaphor of trees weathering storms together, Sangma underscored that division weakens communities “If a tree stands alone, even a storm can uproot it. But a forest stands strong together.”
TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya thanked all leaders who gathered from across the region, celebrating the shift from state-based unity to a wider Northeast movement. “A few years ago, we united Tripura’s indigenous people; today, we take a bigger step by uniting the entire Northeast. This is only the beginning.”
Several regional leaders echoed the call for unity, applauding Sangma and Pradyot for spearheading a transformative platform aimed at collective progress. They described the rally as a turning point in regional politics, driven by shared identity and purpose.
