NPP will strive to meet people's expectations in Manipur ahead of 2027 polls: Conrad Sangma

National People's Party (NPP) president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on July 25 said the expectations of the people of Manipur from the NPP have grown significantly, asserting that the party will make every effort to emerge as a strong political force in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Addressing a press conference after the party's Annual Convention at the MFSDS Hall in Imphal, Sangma said the NPP is committed to expanding its organisational base and working towards restoring peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.

Sangma, who was on a two-day visit to Manipur, inaugurated the party's state office and participated in the annual convention. He said the visit was also aimed at reviewing the party's preparedness for the 2027 Assembly elections.

During the visit, Sangma held a series of meetings with party office-bearers and interacted with people from different sections of society. He said discussions centred on the prevailing situation in Manipur, the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the state's economic challenges, and the role the NPP can play in restoring lasting peace.

"The government has to take responsibility for addressing every problem. At the same time, our party is also making every possible effort to contribute towards lasting peace in the state," Sangma said.

He stressed the need to rebuild trust among communities through sustained engagement and dialogue.

"The Manipur issue is highly complex, and there is no single or easy solution. But for a better future, people must give peace a chance," he said.

Reiterating the party's commitment to the peace process, Sangma said any solution must safeguard national security and national interests while ensuring that the people of Manipur are not left to suffer indefinitely.

"There has to be a balanced mechanism to address the crisis without compromising the nation's security or the welfare of the people," he added.

Responding to a question on the party's electoral prospects in the 2027 Assembly elections, Sangma said the NPP has steadily strengthened its presence in the state since making its electoral debut in 2017.

"2017 was just the beginning for us in Manipur. At that time, our organisational strength was not where we wanted it to be. But we are moving in the right direction," he said.

Describing the NPP as a "home-grown party" with a deep understanding of the region, Sangma said the growing desire among people for a political alternative has increased expectations from the party.

"There is a lot of hope and expectation from the NPP. We will put in our best efforts to fulfil those expectations," he said.

Sangma also said the party plans to expand its organisational network across every Assembly constituency in Manipur, while adding that a decision on the number of seats it will contest in the 2027 elections will be taken at a later stage.