Concerns over the non-recognition of traditional Naga naming conventions in national digital systems were raised during the Kohima District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) meeting on April 29, with officials warning that technical limitations in government portals may be creating difficulties for many Naga communities.
The meeting, held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, was chaired by Deputy Commissioner & Vice-Chairman DPDB Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, in the presence of Chairman DPDB and MLA Kevipodi Sophie.
Highlighting the issue, according to a DIPR report, District Agriculture Officer Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome, drew attention to challenges arising from the rejection of certain characters, particularly the commonly used “ü” and “-o” components, in national platforms such as the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) system.
Yhome said names in Naga communities are not merely identifiers but carry “deep cultural, emotional, and spiritual significance.”
“Names are given by parents and elders with meaning, affection, and a sense of identity. Altering them strips away their essence,” he stated.
According to Yhome, when digital systems do not accept such characters, individuals are often compelled to modify their names to meet technical requirements.
While temporary manual corrections remain possible in some cases, he cautioned that growing automation may reduce such flexibility in the future, which could create further challenges in accessing services.
He further noted that altering names can lead to unintended consequences, including distortion of gender identity. In some cases, female names may change into male equivalents when specific characters are removed or replaced, leading to confusion in official records.
Highlighting broader implications, Yhome said the issue affects multiple Naga communities, with many individuals already forced to alter their names in official documents, often resulting in a loss of original meaning and cultural relevance.
Key concerns raised included emotional distress due to loss of identity, administrative complications arising from mismatched documents, and legal challenges in areas such as banking, property ownership, and travel. He warned that inconsistencies in documentation could also create difficulties during verification processes, including passport applications and international travel.
He stressed that the problem could have long-term consequences, particularly for younger generations, if not addressed at the policy level, and urged authorities to accommodate indigenous naming systems in national databases.