Ukhrul, January 30 2010: While informing that demand for making Ukhrul the summer capital of Manipur has been abandoned, president of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of Tangkhul tribe, Qr Stephen Angkang has clarified that the demand raised and the representation submitted earlier to the Government of India in this regard was devoid of any negative motive but purely based on good faith for developing the hill district.

The demand, which had been brought to the notice of the Government of India among others, had sparked reactions and waves of debate in the light of Naga unity and reconciliation process being initiated in full swing.

Angkang said that now the idea has been abandoned and 'we have already written to the Union Home Secretary last year itself to drop/cancel the very demand'.

Reiterating commitment towards the cause of 'Naga reconciliation', Stephen Angkang assured that TNL will not initiate anything that is against the aspiration and interest of the Naga people.

''We are sincere with you (reconciliation team).

Let the tears, sadness and cry of the Nagas be reduced, the Lord is with us, we must be together'', Angkang is reported to have said earlier to "hokharai" during the 23 reconciliation meet.

TNL fully acknowledges and appreciates the Forum For Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for the good works being done to heal the wounds of our Naga brethren, the TNL president said, adding that FNR's contribution to the cause is immensely recognized.

Nonetheless, he called upon the FNR to exert little more pressure on the political leaders for early materialize the decisions that have already been agreed upon at the highest level.

Stephen further observed that the mission of Naga reconciliation is convincing and TNL fully supports the reconciliation process for without this reconciliation Naga cannot be united.

To a question on reported rise of militants and armed groups in recent times, he opined that it should be taken care of by the groups involved in the reconciliation process by working out comprehensive strategies to prevent other forces from making undue advantage of the present peaceful situation.

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