The NSCN(IM) has welcomed the appointment of retired IPS officer and former Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee Ajit Lal as the new interlocutor for the Indo-Naga political talks, describing the move as an encouraging development for the peace process.
In a statement issued on September 24, the NSCN(IM)’s Ministry of Information and Publicity said the appointment reflected what it described as the Government of India’s renewed resolve to advance the talks with seriousness and urgency.
The group also welcomed the reported decision to include a Union minister or a group of Union ministers in the negotiation framework, saying such involvement could help expedite the political process and build momentum towards a settlement.
The NSCN(IM) expressed appreciation to the Nagaland government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for what it described as its “sincere participation and active facilitation” of the Indo-Naga political dialogue.
It also thanked the Naga people for their continued support to the negotiation team and its leadership.
The statement comes amid renewed discussions on the stalled Naga political dialogue. The Nagaland government’s Political Affairs Committee had met NSCN(IM) leaders earlier this month to discuss the talks and the proposed apex committee on the Naga political issue.
The NSCN(IM) said it remained committed to pursuing an “honourable and enduring political solution” at the earliest and appealed to the Naga people to continue supporting the peace process.
Ajit Lal’s appointment as interlocutor and the reported move towards greater Union-level political involvement now come as the parties continue efforts to advance the long-running negotiations.