Northeast Must Be United Over Its Issues: Conrad K Sangma

GUWAHATI: The president of National People’s Party (NPP) and Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma has called upon the people of North East to be united so that it can pressurize the Centre over its gamut of issues. Sangma made this appeal while addressing a public gathering at Ganesh Udyan, Dispur here on Wednesday after forming the Assam unit of NPP.

He added, “We’ve constituted the Assam unit of the National People’s Party. This is in accordance with the dream of my father late PA Sangma, who had formed this party with that very aim four years ago. The NPP has units in five NE States. Besides, the Deputy Chief Minister and three other Ministers in the Manipur Cabinet are from our party. Moreover, the NPP-led MDA government in Meghalaya has completed one year of its office today.”

Dilip Kumar Bora has been appointed as the convenor of Assam unit of NPP.

Dwelling on the party strategy, Conrad said, “The issue of development holds significance. The number game is also important. The NPP is planning to contest in all the 25 LS seats in NE. The election committee will take the final decision in this regard.”

Later replying to queries from the media, Conrad said, “We’re presently working with the NDA on the development front. But our stand is absolutely clear. We’ll never compromise on issues confronting the people of the Northeast. We’re ready to face any challenge.”

On the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), Sangma said, “The Bill in its present form is not at all acceptable, and the entire NE is united on this issue. However, a solution can be found through discussions. There are many stakeholders. Any proposed new form of the Bill must be to the satisfaction of the people of the region as a whole. The Centre was forced to review its stand on the Bill after the North East stood as one opposing the stand of Delhi.”

He further stated, “Delhi hardly accords one minute to a public representative from the region. But, if a group of 10 MPs from North East approaches the Central leaders, they give patient hearing to the delegation. Hence, the North East must always remain united on the common issues confronting them.”

Reacting to another query on proof sought by some over the air strike across LoC, Sangma said, “We are with the armed forces of our country. It’ll be an insult to seek proof from them.”

Referring to the ‘Act East Policy’, Sangma said, “The people of the region must make it happen. They should take the initiative instead of depending only on the Centre.”

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