Mathew Rongmei
Dimapur
As I flipped through the morning newspaper over a cup of tea, an old saying sprang to my mind—“Birds of a feather flock together.”
Leaders from across the region—Conrad Sangma of Meghalaya, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma of Tripura, Mmhonlumo Kikon of Nagaland, and Daniel Langthasa of Assam—have announced a bold plan to come together and form a united political front. Their mission is to give the Northeast a stronger, collective voice in national politics.
What makes this alliance intriguing is its intent. These leaders stress that this is not a confrontation with national parties but a movement to protect the region’s identity, resources, and aspirations. “The people of the Northeast deserve to be heard,” says Conrad Sangma. Pradyot Debbarma adds, “We are not here to fight anyone, but to fight for our rights and dignity.” Their words echo a shared desire—regional unity without losing local identity.
A nine-member committee has been tasked with drafting the alliance’s structure within 45 days—deciding its name, symbol, and strategy. Their priorities read like a regional manifesto: protection of indigenous land, curbing illegal migration, securing borders, promoting balanced development, and safeguarding the Sixth Schedule’s constitutional provisions. It’s an agenda that mirrors the common aspirations of millions across the hills and valleys of the Northeast.
Historically, Northeast politics has been a mosaic of distinct voices, each state marching to its own rhythm. This fresh attempt at unity marks a significant shift from the past. If successful, the region could finally speak in one voice in Delhi—amplifying its influence on national decision-making.
Nagaland, in particular, exemplifies the spirit and strength of regional consolidation. The recent merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has brought the state’s major regional forces under one umbrella. Founded in 1963, the NPF is not only Nagaland’s oldest but also one of the most enduring regional parties in the entire Northeast. It has been central to Nagaland’s political evolution—rooted in Naga nationalism, peace initiatives, and regional assertion. With this merger, the NPF stands rejuvenated, symbolizing unity and continuity in regional politics. This consolidation also sends a powerful signal beyond Nagaland—that regional parties can rise above differences for the greater good of the people.
Yet, the path ahead is far from smooth. Aligning leaders with differing priorities and constituencies will demand both trust and vision. History is filled with cautionary tales—past efforts at regional unity often collapsed under the weight of ego and ambition.
Then comes the voter factor. People in the Northeast tend to vote along local loyalties and ethnic lines. For this alliance to endure, it must convince voters that unity will strengthen, not dilute, their local identity. Meanwhile, national parties such as the BJP and Congress, already entrenched in Assam, Arunachal, and Manipur, are likely recalibrating their strategies to meet this potential new front.
For now, the idea of a Northeast alliance kindles hope. If leaders can remain steadfast and collaborative, the region could emerge as a united, decisive voice in India’s political landscape. But ambition alone will not be enough—state rivalries, personal interests, and historical mistrust could still cast long shadows.
In the coming elections, regional parties remain dominant in Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and parts of Tripura. National parties, on the other hand, hold the upper hand in Assam, Arunachal, and Manipur. The political future of the Northeast will hinge on whether its regional leaders can rise above divisions to defend their people’s identity and self-rule.
