Indo-Naga political talks: Ajit Lal appointed new Interlocutor

•    Union-level Minister/group  likely to join negotiation framework
•    NSCN (IM) hails significant development    

Dimapur, September 24 (MExN): The Government of India has reportedly appointed retired IPS officer Ajit Lal as the new interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political talks, while a Union Minister, or a group of Union-level Ministers, is set to be included in the ‘negotiation framework.’

Welcoming the same as a “significant and encouraging development,” the NSCN (IM), in a press release, expressed appreciation to the Government of India (GoI) and noted that it reflects the latter’s renewed resolve to advance the peace process with seriousness and urgency.

Lal, a 1974-batch retired IPS officer and former Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), was appointed Northeast Adviser to the Union Home Ministry in February 2026.

Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM) also hailed the GoI’s decision to include a Union Minister, or a group of Union-level Ministers, in the negotiation framework, which it stated would “expedite the political process” and create the necessary momentum for reaching an honourable and enduring political settlement.

The group also extended its gratitude to the Government of Nagaland (GoN), led by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, for their “sincere participation and active facilitation” of the Indo-Naga political dialogue.

The constructive engagement of the Nagaland government has been instrumental in sustaining the peace process and ensuring that the voices of the Naga people remain central to the negotiations, the NSCN (IM) held.

It also conveyed gratitude to all the Naga people for their “unwavering support, solidarity, and prayers extended to the negotiation team and to our leadership,” noting that their faith and resilience remain the moral foundation of the struggle and the source of hope for a just political solution.

The NSCN (IM) also affirmed its commitment “before God and the Naga people” to bring about an honourable and enduring political solution at the earliest.

To this end, it appealed for continued prayers from the Naga people so that the rightful “place of the Naga nation with dignity and in accordance with our collective aspirations” is realised.

Lal’s appointment comes amid efforts to revive the stalled Indo-Naga political dialogue.

He has previous experience in the Centre’s engagement with the Naga political issue.

His LinkedIn profile records him as “Interlocutor, Naga Peace Talks” from March to July 2014. According to news reports, Lal had been handling the interlocutor’s responsibilities following R S Pandey’s resignation and was subsequently recommended by the then Home Minister for the post, but the PMO appointed R N Ravi instead.

He returned to the Northeast policy framework in February 2026 as the Northeast Adviser in the MHA.

In July this year, a delegation of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) called on Lal in New Delhi and urged him to expedite the Naga peace process.