Misrepresentation of Khiamniungan tribe, KSU express concerns

Kohima: The Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) has expressed deep concern over the repeated misrepresentation of the Khiamniungan nomenclature.

In a press statement, the KSU emphasized that the correct spelling is “Khiamniungan,” not “Khiamnuingan” or “Khiamungan,” as has been erroneously printed in several instances. It termed as saddening that an institution like the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) could set questions with a misspelled or mispronounced nomenclature of a major existing tribe in the State which have deeply hurt the sentiments of the tribe.

“The carelessness in screening of the questions is seen from the repeated setting up of wrong spelling in both the 2023 and 2024 exams. Rather, the people of Noklak, is exhausted with correcting every misspelled or mispronounced name of the tribe.”

In this regard, the KSU has called on the NPSC to immediately nullify the question containing the misspelled name, arguing that since neither “Khiamnuingan” nor “Khiamungan” represents an actual Naga tribe, the question is invalid and should be voided.

Stating that the Khiamniungan is a recognized and significant Naga tribe based in the easternmost district of Noklak, Nagaland, the KSU reminded the public that the Khiamniungan tribe has contributed to the peace, progress, and development of the state in various fields since the formation of Nagaland.

It therefore stressed that care must be taken to ensure that the tribe’s name is accurately spelled and pronounced in all official contexts, as repeated mistakes undermine their contributions.

Furthermore, the KSU pointed out that the name Khiamniungan holds deep cultural and historical significance for the tribe. Any misspelling or mispronunciation of the name risks distorting its meaning and heritage.

It has appealed to all citizens, especially those in official and academic settings, to respect the tribe’s history and ensure the correct representation of its name.