UKHRUL: The NSCN-IM has welcomed the Government of India’s appointment of retired IPS officer and former Joint Intelligence Committee chairman Ajit Lal as the new interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political talks.
The NSCN-IM in a statement issued on Thursday described the appointment as a “significant and encouraging development”, saying it reflected the Centre’s renewed resolve to advance the peace process with seriousness and urgency.
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The NSCN-IM also welcomed the inclusion of a Union minister or a group of Union-level ministers in the negotiation framework, saying the move would help “expedite the political process” and build momentum towards what it termed an “honourable and enduring political settlement”.
The group thanked the Nagaland government led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio for its “sincere participation and active facilitation” of the Indo-Naga political dialogue. It said the state government’s engagement had helped sustain the peace process and keep the concerns of the Naga people central to the negotiations.
The NSCN-IM also thanked the Naga people for their support and solidarity, describing their faith and resilience as a source of hope for a political solution.
It then said it remained committed to pursuing an “honourable and enduring political solution” at the earliest and appealed to the Naga people to continue praying for a settlement in accordance with their collective aspirations.
A February 2026 report by Ukhrul Times, citing The Hindu, reported that Lal had been appointed Northeast Advisor to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and would lead the Naga peace talks while continuing dialogue with Kuki-Zo and Meitei insurgent groups in Manipur.
It may be noted that Lal, a retired IPS officer and former JIC chairman, had previously led the Naga political talks from March to July 2014. He was also present at the signing of the tripartite agreement for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority involving the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, Nagaland government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
