Kohima: The Global Naga Forum has officially backed the Centre's decision to appoint retired IPS officer Ajit Lal as the new interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political negotiations. Lal, who previously served as chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, will head the talks alongside a fresh framework involving a Union minister or a group of ministers. The forum believes this change will provide the necessary momentum to reach a final, stable, and inclusive deal.
This shift follows a critical consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024. During that event, roughly 45 civil society organizations, tribal hohos, and various stakeholders pressured the central government to name a replacement and raise the level of the dialogue. The group praised Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, MPs Phangnon Konyak and Supongmeren Jamir, and various churches and student bodies for their persistent advocacy.
The forum is now pushing both the NSCN/GPRN leadership and the central government to treat these upcoming discussions with gravity. The organization stated the parties must approach the negotiations with “utmost seriousness, sincerity and urgency” to ensure the process actually works. They hope this development paves the way for a lasting political resolution that reflects the collective will of the people.
Updated at 4th October 2026 at 1:48pm
The Forum noted that after nearly three decades of formal negotiations, the Naga people are still waiting for a resolution. They argue the Naga people have earned their right to peace, dignity, and a final political deal.
Hoping for a broader impact, the GNF suggested the peace process should stand as a model for ending long-running armed conflicts. They urged both sides to choose dialogue over confrontation, reason over conflict, and peace over violence. The group challenged leaders to show the statesmanship required to finish a political struggle that has dragged on for nearly a century.
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