Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union condemned over misuse of ‘Sangtam’

DIMAPUR — Multiple student organisations have condemned the Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union’s (ENSSU) inaccurate use of the term “Sangtam” in its communications.

It may be mentioned that earlier, the Seyochung Area Students' Union (SASU) criticised the use of the term by ENSSU federating units in connection with the removal of ENSSU placards at SASU headquarters, Seyochung town.

SASU, in a press statement, had clarified that no organisation named "Seyochung Area Sangtam Students’ Union" exists either in the Seyochung area or under the United Sangtam Students' Conference (USSC).

On Wednesday, the unions, in separate press statements, extended support to SASU in seeking clarification and rectification.

The Yingphire Village Students’ Union stated that it strongly condemns the inaccurate and misleading use of the term ‘Sangtam’ and that it stands in full support of SASU. Stating that the misuse distorted facts and undermined community identity and sentiments, it called upon organisations to ensure accuracy in public communication.

Also read: Seyochung Area Students’ Union clarifies no Seyochung Area Sangtam Students’ Union exists

Similarly, the Thsingar Village Students’ Union expressed strong disapproval of the misleading and inappropriate use of the term and added that such misapplication misrepresents historical and cultural facts and “strikes at the core of community identity and sentiments”.

The Seyochung Town Students’ Union (STSU) extending support to SASU said the erroneous use of the name ‘Seyochung Area Sangtam Students’ Union’ has created unnecessary confusion and reaffirmed SASU’s status as “the principal and recognised student body of the Seyochung area”.

It warned that allowing fictitious titles to circulate undermines legitimate organisations and stressed that all official communications regarding the Seyochung region must be directed through SASU.

The Old Monger Village Students’ Union also expressed solidarity, condemning what it called the “blatant” use of the nomenclature “Seyochung Area Sangtam Students’ Union”. It noted that no such body exists and urged individuals and organisations to refrain from using the name in future.

The Yangzitong Village Students’ Union described the usage as “misinterpretation of terminology” and confirmed its support for SASU’s stand. The Thangthure Village Students’ Union condemned the misuse of the term in reports linking it with the removal of ENSSU placards at Seyochung headquarters, stating that such misrepresentation “creates unnecessary confusion and tension among the people.”

The New Monger Students’ Union termed ENSSU’s act of fabricating the name of a non-existent union misleading and an insult to student bodies’ integrity. It said it “stands firmly and unshakably” with SASU and warned against further misuse of union identities.

The Seyochung Village Students’ Union declared its “unwavering support” for SASU, condemning ENSSU’s “baseless and imprudent use of the word ‘Sangtam’”. It affirmed its commitment to protecting unity, identity, and peaceful coexistence in Seyochung.