Kohima, Nov. 3: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Unification) said it will seek solution for the Nagas in the state.

A senior functionary of the outfit, Kughalu Mulatonu, said talks with the Centre would start soon but they would seek solution only for the Nagas of Nagaland.

Mulatonu, convener of the national political affairs committee, said talks would be transparent unlike the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), which has kept the current talks top secret.

Rebutting the NSCN (I-M) statement that it is the sole representative of the people, Mulatonu asked the rival faction to stay away from the affairs of Nagas of Nagaland. "We will seek solution for them. Let NSCN (I-M) seek solution for Nagalim," he said.

The NSCN (I-M) has been demanding "Nagalim", comprising the Naga-inhabited areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Mulatonu asked outsiders (Nagas of other states) not to decide the fate of Nagas of Nagaland.

The NSCN (U), which is likely to start talks by March next year, said the issue of sovereignty would be on the cards.

Mulatonu said talks would be between two entities and the NSCN (I-M) had no business to interfere.

"Why should we take permission from them?" he asked.

He said the outfit has started its homework and consultations with Naga NGOs.

Prior to signing of ceasefire in 1997, the Centre had assured NSCN (I-M) leaders that it would not hold any dialogue with other Naga factions, that the NSCN (I-M) was the sole representative of the Naga people. Other factions have been asking the Centre to begin talks there has not been any positive response from it.