Regional parties in Northeast mull tribal front to push indigenous causes

Guwahati: Regional political parties across the Northeast are exploring the formation of a common tribal front to collectively advocate for the rights and welfare of indigenous communities in the region.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Meghalaya's ruling National People's Party (NPP) and the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) of Tripura, which currently governs the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and is a partner in the BJP-led state government.

A senior TMP leader told ET that a formal announcement of the front is expected soon in New Delhi, with talks underway with several smaller tribal-based regional parties across the Northeast. "A formal declaration about the tribal front will be made in a couple of days. Talks are on with several parties across the region," the leader said.

The move comes against the backdrop of renewed tribal assertions and identity-based politics in the Northeast. The BJP had earlier created the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) as an anti-Congress platform, while the Congress operates through its Northeast Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC).

The move comes against the backdrop of renewed tribal assertions and identity-based politics in the Northeast. The BJP had earlier created the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) as an anti-Congress platform, while the Congress operates through its Northeast Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC).

In Assam, six communities - Tai Ahoms, Morans, Mottocks, Chutias, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes - have long demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, staging widespread protests recently.