Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma bats for Northeast Unity as NPP eyes Haflong seat

With the Assam Assembly elections drawing closer, the National People’s Party (NPP) has informally signalled Daniel Langthasa as its candidate from the Haflong constituency, even as the party formally launched its campaign in Assam’s Dima Hasao district with a high-profile show of strength.

The campaign was kickstarted at Maibang under the banner of One Northeast, with Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma sharing the stage with Tipra Motha Party leader and Tripura’s royal scion Pradyut Bikram Manikya Debbarma. The rally witnessed a major political mobilisation, with over a thousand people joining the NPP under the leadership of Daniel Langthasa.

Although the party is yet to officially announce its candidate list, Sangma publicly declared at the Maibang rally that Langthasa would be the NPP’s nominee from the Haflong Assembly constituency. He, however, clarified that a formal announcement would be made at an appropriate time.

Responding to questions over whether the BJP would also field a candidate from Haflong, given NPP’s association with the NDA, Sangma underscored that the NPP maintains its own political identity and ideological framework. He said the party traditionally contests elections independently and confirmed that it would field its own candidate in Haflong.

At the same time, he maintained that the NPP is not opposed to any political party. “We will take decisions in the best interest of our people after the election results,” Sangma said, keeping post-poll options open.

Addressing the gathering at Maibang playground, Sangma and Pradyut Debbarma called for solidarity among the diverse communities of the Northeast to safeguard their land rights, identity and future. They asserted that unity among the region’s people would prevent any external attempts to divide them.

The rally also saw Sangma sharply criticising the local administration for allegedly denying permission for his helicopter to land in Maibang. Terming the move “petty-minded politics,” he said that democratic principles guarantee every political party the right to campaign freely.

“If we are not allowed to land a helicopter, we will come by road; if needed, we will come on foot,” Sangma asserted, drawing applause from supporters.

Langthasa Invokes Martyrs’ Legacy, Raises Land Rights Concerns

Speaking after formally joining the NPP, Daniel Langthasa noted that the rally coincided with the death anniversary of Bir Shambudhan Phonglo, observed as Martyrs’ Day in the region. He recalled Phonglo’s resistance against British rule to protect the land, culture and identity of the people, despite infrastructural developments brought by the colonial administration.

Langthasa alleged that in the name of development, indigenous land is being sold without safeguarding local rights. He further claimed that efforts were made to disrupt the Maibang rally, including alleged circulation of WhatsApp messages discouraging attendance and cancellation of bus bookings arranged for supporters.

Clarifying the party’s position, Langthasa said the NPP is not against development, industrial projects or infrastructure expansion. However, he stressed that the party opposes the sale or transfer of land without No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from local villagers and any dilution of Sixth Schedule protections.

“Our fight is to protect our land and our rights,” Langthasa said, framing the upcoming electoral battle as one centred on identity and constitutional safeguards.

With this mobilisation in Dima Hasao, the NPP has effectively set the tone for a high-stakes contest in Haflong, positioning land rights and regional unity at the heart of its campaign narrative.