Imphal, January 09: Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, on Thursday evening held talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in New Delhi.

After The meeting Isak said talks between the NSCN-IM and former prime minister Indira Gandhi could not succeed because at that time the political leadership in both sides were immature.

"But this time the political in both side is mature and the Government of India is making sincere effort to solve the problem of the Nagaland." Isak said.

He said the core issue is 'to bring peace to Nagaland'.

Asked if the underground is demanding a greater Nagaland, he said "greater or smaller...Nagaland is Nagaland".

Isak said "The PM is very sincere in his efforts and we are now looking forward to meeting the deputy prime minister Lal Kishenchand Advani." Top NSCN (IM) leaders Isak chisi Swu and Thuingalen Muivah tonight held talks with prime minister Atal bihari Vajpayee in the first such parleys in India in 35 years.

The discussions centering around the demand for greater Nagaland and devolution of powers took place in the prime minister's residence which were also attended by NSCN-IM leaders from Nagaland.

Muivah and Swu, who arrived here in the early hours today held informal consultations among themselves ahead of the talks with Vajpayee after paying floral tributes at the samadhi of Mahatama Gandhi.

Shortly after arrival, the two NSCN(IM) said we are thankful to the Indian Government for inviting us for talks.

We are here for a peaceful solution to the Naga problem.

The two, Isak Chisis Swu and Thuingalen Muivah paid homage to Mahatama Gandhi at Rajghat on Thursday.

The two leaders declined to take questions from the waiting newspersons at Rajghat.

The Naga leaders said they felt that Mahatama Gandhi was among the Indian leaders who understood the Naga issue according to sources close to them.

PTI adds from Itanagar indigenous faith and cultural society of Arunachal Pradesh has appeal to the leaders of NSCN(IM) to stop harassment of the people of Arunachal Pradesh in view of the peace talks going on at New Delhi today.

The appeal was made when leaders of the outfit Isak and Muivah are on a visit to the country to hold talks with Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a bid to break the stalemate on the Naga problem.

Pointing out that extremist groups should not interfere in the indigenous movement of Arunachal Pradesh and indulge in conversion, an IFCSAP press release called upon NSC(IM) leaders to end, what they termed as, all sorts of harassment in the state especially in Tirap and Changlang Districts.

It further expressed hope that the peace talks would pave way for permanent peace in the north eastern region.

Stressing that Arunachal Pradesh was never a part of Naga peace process, the IFCSAP said the state would not spare an inch of land for the proposed Greater Nagalim plan, the release said.

They had a rousing welcome at the IG international airport.

Large numbers of people came attired in traditional dresses.