Mokokchung, 18 December (MTNews): The Pathso Range Students’ Union (PRSU), representing the Patsho-speaking community, through a press statement, has voiced strong objections against the Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association (KBCA) for what they perceive as disrespecting linguistic diversity within the Khiamniungan tribe.
According to information gathered by PRSU through its federating units:
During the KBCC held from 1st to 3rd December 2023, the KBCA reportedly imposed restrictions on the use of the word ‘tuathih’ in the official nomenclature of the host Church, Pathso Nokeng Baptist Tuathih (PNBT). Alternatives such as ‘Donthe,’ ‘Church,’ or leaving only the village name were suggested. The restriction was conveyed after the program had been finalized and sent to the printing press by KBCA staff—Liang, Church and Mission Secretary; Khumong, Church Promoter; and Thungio, Pastor of Komking Baptist Church.
“The KBCA visited the Church solely to convey the restriction on 16th and 17th September 2023. The sensitivity of KBCA to the Patsho word, used by Patsho-speaking Church in their nomenclature, is questionable and every right thinking individual needs to ponder upon. ‘Tuathih’ is Church in Patsho (Khiamniungan) dialect and so is in its nomenclature. Amid the concern raised by the Pathso Nokeng Students’ Union (PNSU), thorough deliberation was held within the village and the Church leaders of PNBT visited KBCA Komking headquarters at Noklak and appealed for rectification of its nomenclature in the programme. Yet the KBCA ignored. It must also be reminded of PNBT declaration dated, 6th August 2023, basing on its 2022 general meeting minute, where it stated that the Church shall be known officially as Pathso Nokeng Baptist Tuathih (Annexure-I),” stated the PRSU .
The PRSU also stated that the Lumoking Baptist Church (LBC) allegedly faced language imposition when seeking a speaker for their local Church building inauguration program. KBCA Executive Secretary Hempao reportedly insisted that the program must be in Thang (Noklak) sub-dialect if KBCA staff were involved, leading to dissatisfaction among the people.
According to the PRSU, the KBCA attempted to impose the Pastor installation program of Baptist Church Pathso in Noklak sub-dialect, which was vehemently rejected by the Pathso Students’ Union (PSU), resulting in the creation of a new program.
The PRSU emphasizes the importance of language as a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and expresses dissatisfaction and rejection of such impositions that contribute to the adulteration and erosion of their mother tongue.
Furthermore, the PRSU urges the KBCA to acknowledge the joint standing direction of the apex tribal bodies—Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, and Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (Women organization)—to give equal importance to all sub-dialects for research and publication of mother tongue textbooks for academic purposes.
The PRSU emphasizes that the KBCA, as a Church organization, should focus on Kingdom business and saving souls, operating within the scope of its religious mission. Any misunderstandings or issues arising from this matter will be solely attributed to the KBCA for potentially causing harm to the sentiments of the masses using religious platforms. “We love our mother tongue and we care for its preservation. Similarly, we respect equally to all other sub-dialects,” added the statement.