Conrad K Sangma says the party will strengthen its base in Manipur, support the peace process, and aim to emerge as a strong force in the 2027 Assembly elections.
IMPHAL — National People's Party (NPP) national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday said the party would work to meet the growing expectations of the people in Manipur and emerge as a strong political force in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference after the NPP Manipur unit's annual convention in Imphal, Sangma said the party would continue strengthening its organisational base across the state while remaining committed to the peace process.
The press conference was attended by NPP Manipur unit president Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, Manipur Arts and Culture Minister Kh. Loken, and party MLAs Th. Shanti, I. Nalini and Rameshwar.
Describing the ongoing Manipur crisis as complex, Sangma said any lasting solution must protect national security while safeguarding the interests of the people.
"People must give peace a chance," he said.
Calling the NPP a "homegrown party" with a deep understanding of the region, Sangma said the party would continue expanding its organisational network throughout Manipur.
Reiterating the party's commitment to restoring peace, he said any solution should uphold national security and national interests while ensuring that the people of Manipur do not continue to suffer indefinitely.
Responding to a question on the party's prospects in the next Assembly elections, Sangma said the NPP has steadily strengthened its presence in the state since making its electoral debut in 2017.
"2017 was a starting point for us in Manipur. At that time, our organisational strength was not where we wanted it to be. But we are moving in the right direction. There is a lot of hope and there are a lot of expectations," he said.
On whether the party would contest all 60 Assembly seats, Sangma said the decision would be taken by the state unit president and the party's election committee.
"We're working on expanding the party, but whether we contest all the seats will be decided by the state unit president and the party's election committee," he said.
Sangma, who was on a two-day visit to Manipur, inaugurated the party's state office and attended the annual convention. He said the visit was also aimed at reviewing the party's preparedness for the 2027 Assembly elections.
During the visit, he held a series of meetings with party office-bearers and interacted with people from different sections of society.
He said the discussions focused on the prevailing situation in Manipur, the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the state's economic challenges, and the role the NPP could play in restoring lasting peace.