The Directorate of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, has issued a formal apology to the Khiamniungan Union Kohima for an “oversight and failure to include the name of the Khiamniungan Tribe in the Heritage Guide Map displayed at the Arena” during the recently concluded Hornbill Festival 2024.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Khiamniungan Union Kohima, the Directorate stated, “The department understands that the non-inclusion of your tribe’s name in the display board has caused deep discontentment and unhappiness among the members of your tribe.”
Acknowledging the mistake, the department expressed sincere regret and assured that the exclusion was unintentional. “We assure you that it was never our intention to exclude or overlook the importance of your tribe. We acknowledge the significance of recognizing and respecting the cultural heritage and identity of all indigenous communities, including all the sub-tribes of the State,” read the apology.
The Tourism Department emphasized its commitment to rectifying the issue, promising, “As a department, we deeply regret the offense caused by our oversight, and we are committed to rectifying this kind of situation in the years to come to ensure that the Khiamniungan Tribe is properly represented and acknowledged.”
The letter further highlighted the department’s dedication to promoting “diversity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity” and reassured the Khiamniungan Tribe of their importance in Nagaland’s cultural landscape. “Your feedback and concerns are important to us, and we will strive to do better in the future to avoid similar oversights,” it stated.
The letter was signed by the Director of Tourism, Veyielo Doulo.