New Delhi, August 02: Insisting that unification of Naga-inhabited areas must form the basis of any settlement between NSCN (IM) and the Centre, leaders of the community today expressed "disappointment" over the "slow pace" of the peace process.

Representatives of the Naga Hoho, a traditional parent organisation of Nagas, however, hoped that the process would be taken to its "logical conclusion which addresses the aspirations of the community�.

Twelve representatives of the organisation met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy and Central interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah over the last week and conveyed their views over the talks process.

"We are disappointed that despite ceasefire of over eight years, nothing substantial has happened on the ground," Naga Hoho general secretary Neingulo Krome told reporters here.

He said the "contentious issue" of unification of Naga-inhabited areas spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland had to be addressed.

"Whatever settlement is arrived at should be on the premise of unification.

Unless this is addressed, the ceasefire may not hold much water," he said.

Gandhi had assured them that she would "suitably advise" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue, Krome said.

The Centre and NSCN (IM) have been engaged in peace talks for several years.

The main bone of contention is NSCN (IM)'s insistence that all Naga-inhabited areas be integrated into 'Greater Nagalim'.