Shillong Jun 08: NPP national president and Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma said that the regional aspiration of the Northeast will always remain a priority for the party though it will embark on a journey to expand its base beyond the region.

Conrad told reporters after the first NPP- NECC conference in Shillong on Saturday that the party’s motto has been ‘One Voice, One Northeast’ and the recognition accorded to the NPP as the national party has further strengthened the bond. “Our motto and mission to serve the people of Northeast will continue, as we begin a new chapter to ensure that we are more organised in the States we are already in, and grow and to to further expand our base outside the region.”

He said that the ideology and vision of the leader late, Purno A Sangma will remain the core thrust of the party as it will continue to work for the voiceless, indigenous and minorities of the country.

“It was dream of late P.A. Sangma that NPP should be accorded the National Party tag and today one of his dream has been realised. This is a moment for the party to look back and be prepared for the future. The people of the region has bestowed its thrust on NPP and we have to work together to represent the aspirations of our people,” the NPP chief said.

He said that as a National Party, the NPP will now be part of the national consultation on policy decision of the country and as a responsible party from the Northeast, “we will make an attempt to apprise on the regional aspirations of the people. We will never compromise on regional aspirations of the people of Northeast and will engage in consultation to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous people of the region.”

On the Citizenship Amendment Bill, he said, “Our stand is clear and we would urge the centre to have proper consultation with different stakeholders of the region and build confidence amongst our people.”