Conrad Sangma (IANS file photo)
NEW DELHI: A rare show of unity is taking place as leaders in the Northeast make a bid to forge a new regional force. On Tuesday, leaders from four regional parties, including Meghalaya chief minister and National People’s Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma, announced plans to merge into a single political entity aimed at amplifying the voice of the region.Among the signatories of the joint statement were Pradyot Manikya of TIPRA Motha, Daniel Langthasa from the People’s Party, Assam, and BJP spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon.However, key regional players such as Mizoram’s ruling Zoram People’s Movement, Nagaland’s Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, and the Asom Gana Parishad — the BJP’s ally in Assam have opted to stay out of the initiative for now.”We, leaders from different states of the North East, have come together today to make a collective and historic announcement, i.e., the coming together of various voices of our region to form a united singular political entity that truly represents the aspirations of our people,” the statement said.A committee has been set up to chart the next steps, including defining the structure, strategy, and working model of the proposed front.