Amidst speculations that the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) has been reduced to mere issue of "autonomy," the NSCN (IM) has reiterated that Nagas will not accept anything less than 'sovereignty."

"There is no compromise on NSCN's stand on sovereignty," said Phungthing Shimrang, convenor, CFMC, while echoing the recurrent statements of the collective leadership that "Sovereignty rests with the people. It's the right of the Nagas."
Confirming Union Minister Oscar Fernandes' disclosure that the recent talks between the GoI and NSCN (IM) was "fruitful," Phungthing said the last talks went without any "deadlock."

"As of now, things are moving," the senior NSCN leader told media persons at the CFMC office, Dimapur on Tuesday. He was, however, elusive to a query to the proposals given by the Government of India.

Reacting to certain civil societies accusing the faction of not adhering to the ground rules, Phungthing said it was easy to pass the blame on them as the NSCN (IM) is at the helm of ceasefire. The CFMC convenor also said that though the NSCN (IM) has made propositions to change the ground rules, nothing has come out so far from the GoI side.

On the directive issued by superintendents of police of various districts, the NSCN leader said "both have to be consulted before applying any rules," adding the ceasefire is between the GoI and NSCN (IM).

"The issue of law and order doesn't concern us," said CFMC convenor and substantiated his argument by saying that even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also recently clarified the matter to be that of the state government's concern. Questioning the sincerity of Indian government over the Naga imbroglio, the NSCN leader also accused the former of utilizing "some agencies in creating confusion among the Nagas."

On the question of roping in a "third party" in the talks, Phungthing said "bringing a third party into the talks will be good, but the Indian government was opposed to it."