New Delhi, February 04: With the sensitive issue of unification of Naga-dominated territories on the agenda, the Centre today initiated formal talks with major insurgent group NSCN (I-M) to take the peace process forward in Nagaland.

During the two-hour-long parleys, top leaders of the outfit recounted the genesis of the 50-year-old problem in the North East, official sources said.

"The talks were held in a very cordial and conducive atmosphere," Minister of State for Home S Regupathy said without going into details.

I-M sources said that substantial issues were yet to come up and the parleys would continue next week.

There is a possibility of some of the rounds being held outside Delhi.

The Government was represented at the talks by the Group of Ministers comprising Oscar Fernandes, Prithviraj Chavan and Regupathy to deal with the problem at the political level besides Centre's emissary for the Naga peace process K Padmanabhaiah.

The outfit's general secretary Th Muivah led the 11-member NSCN (I-M) team.

Its chairman Isaac Chisi Swu was not present at the parleys but later joined the Naga delegation at a lunch hosted by Fernandes.

Official sources said efforts would be made to reach some sort of an understanding with the Naga leaders before the Budget Session of Parliament commenced on February 25.

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