Kohima: Another round of peace talks between the Centre's emissary and top NSCN- IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah) leaders begins in Bangkok today (Oct 20, 2004) to further the on-going Naga peace process.

NSCN-IM sources in Kohima today said a five-member team, including the outfit's emissary to the Government, V S Atem, left Kohima for the Thai capital to take part in the crucial two-day parleys between the two sides.

Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah would lead the Indian side while NSCN-IM would be represented by its collective leadership, the sources said.

The NSCN-IM and the Centre agreed for ceasefire in August 1997. Since then several rounds of talks were held abroad and NSCN-IM top leaders came to New Delhi in January 2002.

After extension of cease-fire for another year in August last following discussions in July, both sides are meeting once again to carry forward the dialogue process amidst Centre's assertion that Naga leaders should come to India for political talks.

Among others, contentious Naga integration issue might dominate the parleys against the backdrop of Naga NGOs' sustained campaign for unification of contiguous Naga inhabited areas of the region under a single administrative set up. The demand has been opposed by the neighbouring States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Naga integration is a sensitive issue in the State. Last week Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at a seminar reiterated the demand for Naga unification enshrined in the 16-point agreement of 1960, which paved the way for formation of Nagaland in 1963.