The Global Naga Forum has welcomed Ajit Lal’s appointment as interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political talks and the inclusion of a Union Minister in the negotiation framework.
DIMAPUR — The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has welcomed the Government of India’s appointment of Ajit Lal, IPS (Retd.), former Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), as the official interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political talks, describing the move as a significant development towards an early political settlement.
The GNF also welcomed the decision to include a Union Minister, or a group of Union Ministers, in the negotiation framework, saying the move could inject renewed urgency into the peace process and create a conducive environment for an honourable, inclusive and enduring settlement.
In a statement, the GNF urged the NSCN/GPRN leadership and the Government of India to approach the negotiations with “utmost seriousness, sincerity and urgency”, noting that nearly three decades after the commencement of political negotiations, the Naga people continue to await a lasting solution.
The forum recalled the consultative meeting organised by the Government of Nagaland on September 12, 2024, where representatives of around 45 Naga civil society organisations, tribal hohos and other organisations collectively resolved to appeal to the Government of India for the appointment of a new interlocutor and for the Indo-Naga political dialogue to be elevated to the highest political level.
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The GNF acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues, Members of Parliament Phangnon Konyak and Supongmeren Jamir, as well as the participation of tribal hohos, civil society organisations, mass-based organisations, church bodies, NGOs, student organisations, political parties and other stakeholders in pursuing the resolution.
It said the appointment of Ajit Lal as the new interlocutor, coupled with the inclusion of a Union Minister or a group of Union Ministers in the negotiation framework, represented a significant development in response to the collective appeal.
The forum said the Naga people deserved peace, dignity and an early political solution, and expressed hope that the Indo-Naga peace process would demonstrate the possibility of resolving a protracted armed conflict through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The GNF further urged the leadership on both sides to rise to what it described as a historic responsibility and work towards a settlement that could serve as a testament to the collective wisdom, statesmanship and courage required to resolve the Naga people’s long-standing political struggle.