Shillong, Sep 29: The National People’s Party (NPP) was on Saturday launched in poll-bound Mizoram with a hope that it will make a significant impact in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. The party also launched its campaign with the slogan, “One Voice, One Northeast.”

The NPP Mizoram Unit was launched by Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP National President, Conrad K. Sangma at a function in Aizawl.

The programme was attended by a galaxy of NPP leaders, including Home Minister James K. Sangma, Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly, Timothy D. Shira, Manipur Sports Minister Letpao Haokip, Chief Advisor to the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Thomas A. Sangma and Government Chief Whip, Marcuise N. Marak.

NPP has been working to build the party in Mizoram for the past one and half years to make its ground ready for its launch.

The chief minister said that the NPP has been embarking on a mission to rebuild Mizoram and restore the identity of the people of the region and make the voice and concerns of the people heard at the corridor of powers.

Announcing the launch of the NPP in Mizoram, Conrad said, “The seeds of the party to be a pan- Northeast was laid by the founding leader, late P.A. Sangma. We are continuing the journey started long time ago by him (Purno Sangma). He had set the agenda for the people of Northeast, the tribals of the country, Christians and other minorities. It is those ideas and the vision that is driving NPP to channelize its energy to fulfill the dreams of the people.”

Expressing confidence that the NPP will be able to make significant impact in the political landscape of Mizoram, he said, “India is home to over 100 million tribal population but the voice of our people in the political arena is bare minimal. Almost 50 years after India’s Independence, a tribal was inducted in the Union cabinet. I am not blaming anybody but trying to put the fact right that tribals and Northeast has not got its due space and position in the political landscape. NPP believes in the ideology of uniting the voice of Northeast under one umbrella and one platform.”

He said that NPP is working with a focus to expand its base in fulfilling the mandate of the party that stands for unity of the Northeast. “We want to emerge as a strong voice for our people from Northeast,” he added.

Conrad said that the people of Mizoram would accept the party and allow NPP to carry forward the vision. He also stated that NPP would become the key political alternative in Mizoram.

“NPP is the only political party that speaks up if there is any atrocity or challenges forced on the Christians, tribals and minorities in the country. We will always stand for STs and their rights,” Conrad said.

Though the party has not made any announcement on the number of seats it would contest but clearly stated that it would make inroads in a large way to fill the political vacuum in Mizoram.

National General Secretary in-charge Mizoram Dr. Lalrintlunga Jahau has been instrumental in laying the base of the party in Mizoram. He has been given the mandate to strengthen the party base.

Former President of Young Mizo Association (YMA) Lianzuala has been appointed as the convenor of the party. He has been asked to constitute the party in consultation with the national executive body of the party.