Bangkok: In a positive development in the Naga peace process, exiled NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah) leaders today (Oct 22, 2004) accepted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation to visit India for further talks.

The issue was discussed during the talks the Government's interlocutor K Padmanabaiah had with T Muviah and other leaders of the Naga outfit in Bangkok.

"The outcome of today's talks between the Indian Government side and the NSCN-IM was very good. The talks went off very well and we have accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to visit India," a member of the Naga delegation told.

The member, who did not want to be identified, said the dates for the visit had not been decided though it was likely to be during mid November or December.

A second round of formal talks will be held tomorrow before the two sides issue a joint statement, he said.

He said no demands had been made by the Nagas today. "We would not have gone to India without an official invitation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. But with the invitation now, we will go," he added.