Global Naga Forum (GNF) welcomed the Central Government’s appointment of Ajit Lal, IPS (Retd), former chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, as interlocutor for the Indo‑Naga political talks. The forum also noted the decision to involve a Union minister or group of ministers in the negotiation framework. GNF said the move could inject renewed urgency into the peace process and create conditions for an honourable, inclusive and enduring settlement.
GNF recalled the consultative meeting held on 12 September 2024 by the state government, where about 45 civil‑society organisations, tribal hohos and other groups collectively urged the Centre to appoint a new interlocutor and elevate the political dialogue to the highest level. The forum acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, MPs Phangnon Konyak and Supongmeren Jamir, as well as tribal hohos, civil‑society and mass‑based organisations, churches, NGOs, student bodies, political parties and other stakeholders in pursuing a resolution.
The forum described the appointment of Lal and the inclusion of Union ministers in the talks as a significant development. It urged the NSCN/GPRN leadership and the Centre to approach the negotiations with utmost seriousness, sincerity and urgency.
