Manmohan pledges honourable solution to Naga tribal revolt

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks lasting nearly an hour with two self-exiled leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel armies in the revolt-racked northeast.

There was no immediate word from either side on when talks would resume.

"The Naga people have a life of dignity and the government of India is committed to finding an honourable solution to the problems of Nagaland," the prime minister told the rebel leaders, according to a government spokesman.

Naga spokesman Kraibo Cha-wang said earlier that the group was "very optimistic the talks this time on Indian soil will move forward and take a definite shape."

NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, who arrived last week from Bangkok, have been operating from Southeast Asia for the past 37 years.