Former Nagaland, Manipur ministers call for Northeast unity, say ‘when NE speaks as one, Delhi must listen’

Former Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker and Minister Hemochandra Singh, along with former Nagaland Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, on Wednesday emphasised the need for unity across the Northeastern states to address long-standing regional challenges. 

Their remarks came upon arrival at MBB Airport to attend the One North East Unity Rally, organised by the Tipra Motha Party and scheduled to be held in Agartala tomorrow.

Hemochandra Singh described the vision of a united Northeast as a long-cherished dream. “Perhaps our time has come now to realize this dream. North East as one entity is the answer for all of us, all the indigenous people of the region. Look at the warmth, the sheer feeling from our hearts. I think this is going to be a great movement for all of us to come together under one platform,” he said.

Addressing the ongoing situation in Manipur, Singh added, “When I arrive in Agartala, I come with a lot of hope that Manipur will soon become peaceful. Yes, it will take some time, as the process is ongoing. But the concept of unity—to speak for Manipur from Tripura, to speak for Nagaland from Assam—means that when all our voices resonate together, Delhi will take us seriously. We must all pray for the restoration of normalcy and peace in Manipur.”

Echoing the call for regional solidarity, Mmhonlumo Kikon said, “It’s about one united voice, standing together to address issues of common concern.” He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between policy and implementation, stressing that “one of our goals is to ensure that the vision of our leaders reaches the Northeastern region, so that intended beneficiaries actually see results on the ground.”

Both leaders underlined that meaningful solutions to the region’s challenges require collective action and a shared platform, reinforcing the idea that a united Northeast can have a stronger voice in national discourse.