Despite a firm stance from Naga leaders on the issue of a proposed “Greater Nagaland”, Indian Home Minister Pandev maintained willingness only for “greater autonomy” for the region.

The Naga leaders stood firm on their demand for ‘sovereignty’ for ‘’greater Nagalim’, while the central government refused to budge any further than an offer of greater autonomy to the present state of Nagaland, official sources said.

Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (I-M), had arrived in New Delhi on Saturday night (he is based in Amsterdam) to hold talks with the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and an interlocutor of the Indian government, RS Pandey.

The government reportedly expressed its willingness for ‘greater autonomy’ but was not willing to grant ‘greater Nagalim’.

No counter proposal was also made by the Centre to the Naga leaders.

The rebel leaders also refused to come down from its demand for ‘sovereignty’ for ‘greater Nagalim’.

Muivah is also reportedly unhappy with the new interlocutor Pandey, maintaining that Pandey is close to former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir.

There was no announcement yet on the possible dates for resumption of talks.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed on Jan 31, 1980 by Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and S.S. Khaplang opposing the ‘Shillong Accord’ signed by the then NNC (Naga National Council) with the Indian government.

Later, differences surfaced within the outfit over the issue of commencing a dialogue process with the Indian Government and on April 30, 1988, the NSCN split into two factions, namely the NSCN-K led by S S Khaplang, and the NSCN-IM, led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal.

The outfit aims to establish a ‘Greater Nagaland’ (‘Nagalim’ or the People’s Republic of Nagaland) based on Mao Tse Tung’s ideology. Its manifesto is based on the principle of Socialism for economic development and a spiritual outlook – ‘Nagaland for Christ’.

The NSCN-IM primarily consists of Tangkhul Nagas who are in a majority in parts of Nagaland and the hills of Manipur. Its influence inside Manipur is restricted to the four districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong.

The outfit has also established its presence in Wokha, Phek, Zunebhoto, Kohima, parts of Mokokchung and Tuensang districts of Nagaland. It has also been able to extend its influence to the Naga-inhabited areas of North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam and some parts of Arunanchal Pradesh.