Gen (Retd) Anthony Ningkhan Shimray Re-appointed Coordinator of Indo-Naga Peace Talks

Kohima, Jan 14, 2026: Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser and Chief Political Negotiator of the NSCN/GPRN, on Tuesday re-appointed Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, General (Retd), as the Coordinator of the Indo-Naga Peace Talks, with immediate effect.

Gen (Retd) Anthony Ningkhan Shimray

The order stated that the decision was taken “in consultation with the Collective Leadership and in exercise of the power conferred upon me as the Chief Political Negotiator of the NSCN/GPRN,” and that Shimray will continue in the role until further orders. Muivah also appealed to all concerned to extend full cooperation to Shimray in carrying out his responsibilities and wished him success in his assignment.

General (Retd) Ningkhan Shimray, a member of the Collective Leadership, has been closely associated with the Indo-Naga peace process and is regarded as one of the key figures working towards what the organisation describes as an “honourable solution” to the decades-long negotiations between Naga groups and the Government of India.

Shimray previously served as an Alee Commander for 17 years and played a significant role in establishing foreign bases for the organisation in different parts of the country. He was appointed Longvibu (Commander-in-Chief) of the Naga Army in 2017 and was promoted to the rank of General on March 21, 2020, becoming the first person to attain the rank after the formation of the NSCN/GPRN. He is also a recipient of the Military Cross (MC), the highest award of the Naga Army. On November 29, 2025, he formally handed over the baton of Longvibu to Honreishang Shadang, who now serves as the new Commander-in-Chief.

However, the re-appointment has sparked renewed debate within Naga political circles. Critics have questioned what they describe as the continued concentration of key leadership positions within the Tangkhul Naga tribe and Ukhrul district, noting that several top leaders of the NSCN-IM, including Muivah, V.S. Atem, R.H. Raising, Honreishang Shadang and Shimray, hail from the same region.

Dissenting voices argue that such concentration of authority risks undermining the inclusive and collective character of the Naga national movement, which spans multiple tribes across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Myanmar. They caution that perceived imbalance in representation could fuel internal dissatisfaction at a time when unity is considered vital for advancing the stalled peace talks.

Supporters of the leadership, however, maintain that appointments are based on experience, commitment and historical contribution rather than tribal affiliation. They argue that Shimray’s long involvement provides continuity and institutional memory crucial for navigating the sensitive and complex Indo-Naga negotiations.

Observers say the development once again highlights a long-standing tension within Naga politics—between leadership continuity and calls for broader representation—as the peace process continues to face critical challenges.