The state of Nagaland has sixteen major tribes, among which Khiamniungan also has its recognised place. It is sad and disheartening to see, read and know that the nomenclature Khiamniungan is very often misspelled, not only in local dailies but also in books; GK, Articles, journals, research works and beyond.
The word Khiamniungan is composed of three syllables /khiam/niu/ngan/ which means “Great Source of Water” or “Great Water Source”. It is neither Khimungan, khiamungan nor khiamnugan. Writers from different areas/field often has misspelled the community’s name, yes we hold no grudges against anyone but the small mistake of missing letter(s) creates complete different meaning and tend to cause untoward feelings. We all commit mistake but often, No. Let’s be well aware and knowing what is would promote integrity and would further shun hurts caused due to ignorance though small it may appear.
I on behalf of the Khiamniungans, request the learners, intellects, writers, press and media and publishers from all fields and walks of life to rightly spell the community’s name “Khiamniungan”. We take immense care not to misspell an individual’s name so also let it be with the community too.
Chongti M Lam
Literary and Debating Secretary
Khiamniungan Student’s Union
