Nagaland’s tallest man joys Hornbill Festival, clarifies he is not unhappy or being exploited

KOHIMA — Yungan Khampai, the 24-year-old recognised as the tallest man in Nagaland, says he is enjoying his time at the Hornbill Festival and has dismissed critical remarks and misinformation circulating on social media about his presence at the Mon morung.

Standing at 6’9”, Khampai from Longwa Wasa village in Mon district said this is his first visit to Kohima as well as the Hornbill Festival, and shared that he is “very happy” and enjoying the experience.

Responding to assumptions online that he appears unhappy because he does not smile in photographs, he clarified that his expression is simply natural.

“By nature I have that expression. It’s not that I am angry or unhappy,” he said, adding that rumours suggesting he is being used or exploited are untrue. He appealed to the public to stop spreading misinformation, calling such comments hurtful.

Khampai said that he enjoys staying at the morung and appreciates the attention he is receiving.

While he welcomed people taking photos with him, he admitted that he dislikes being recorded on video because of past negative experiences.

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“Some media persons took videos of me earlier, and it went viral as a meme. That’s why I don’t like videos,” he shared.

Overall, he described the journey since being identified as the tallest person in Nagaland as a “good experience.”

A friend accompanying him said that Khampai is perceptive about people’s intentions and feels comfortable when approached respectfully for photographs, but prefers to avoid video recording.

‘Good intentions’

The president of Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) said that they brought Khampai to the Hornbill Festival with genuine intentions but were disheartened by some of the negativity and accusations circulating online.

He said that Khampai willingly agreed to visit when invited, as he had never been to Kohima or experienced the Hornbill Festival.

“He was not brought as a showpiece. We wanted him to see the outside world and for people to recognise the blessings among the Nagas, particularly the Konyaks,” he asserted.

The KUK president added that Khampai prefers staying inside the morung because going outside often attracts large crowds, which becomes overwhelming.

He clarified that Khampai is free to rest whenever he wants and is not required to stand outside all day for photos.

He also maintained that taking photos with Khampai or giving him money is voluntary.

“It is a free-will contribution, not mandatory. Whatever money people give goes to him, not the morung,” he said, adding that Khampai is being provided full accommodation and transportation.

He is currently staying at a homestay in Jakhama.