Independence is out of the question. But since the phrase "talks within the framework of the Constitution" has mistakenly been interpreted to imply acceptance of the status quo, the government has proposed unconditional talks. Constitutional amendments could follow, if necessary, as witness the whole clutch of Articles in the 371 family in response to specific state situations. The major stumbling-block is fragmentation among the Naga underground. Waiting for unity might mean losing yet another window of opportunity. The alternative is to commence talks with whosoever is willing, while keeping the door open to others. The essential distinction is between process and settlement. Participation could be sequential and, indeed, a dialogue with one group could well encourage others to join. Any final settlement could be thrown open for discussion and endorsement by latecomers. Thereafter, those that stay out will necessarily be left out. Otherwise, waiting for everybody could mean handing a veto to recalcitrant groups.