New Delhi: Further talks on the Naga peace process with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) should be held in India instead of foreign countries, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said on September 18.

"We have suggested to them (NSCN-IM leaders) that they should come to India," Advani told reporters after a Naga delegation led by two former Chief Ministers Hokishe Sema and Vizol met him at his North Block office.

Centre's emissary K Padmanabhaiah is expected to hold yet another round of parleys with NSCN (IM) leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah later this month in Amsterdam.

The NSCN (IM) leadership had recently agreed in writing that they were willing to come to India to further the peace process. While the Nagaland government has withdrawn criminal cases against Muivah, the Manipur government is yet to take a decision to this effect.

On the Assembly elections in Nagaland, Advani said that they "will be held on time" in February.

He also assured the delegation that all steps would be taken to conduct free and fair polls.

The delegation expressed apprehension that rigging and electoral malpractices were rampant in the past elections in Nagaland. They, however, expressed satisfaction that the "Centre was earnestly pursuing the peace talks".

Advani allayed their fears saying "apprehensions were expressed regarding elections in Jammu and Kashmir also" but the first phase passed off peacefully.

PTI