The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) has urged the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) to reschedule the Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE) scheduled for November 14, 2026, citing its coincidence with Ahuna, the traditional festival of the Sümi community.
In a representation to the NSSB chairman, the union expressed strong objection to the examination date, stating that the scheduling could place Sümi aspirants in a difficult position between pursuing their career opportunities and observing an important cultural festival.
SKK said Ahuna was not merely a social gathering but an integral part of the cultural identity, traditions and collective life of the Sümi community.
The union maintained that a state-level recruitment body should take into account the cultural identities and important traditional observances of Nagaland’s diverse communities while preparing examination schedules.
According to SKK, holding a major recruitment examination on the festival date raises concerns about cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness and equal opportunity for affected candidates.
The union has demanded that the NSSB reconsider the November 14 schedule and announce an alternative date. It has also called on the Board to take major festivals and traditional observances into consideration while planning future examinations to prevent similar scheduling conflicts.
Clarifying its position, SKK said its demand was not for special treatment but for fairness, cultural sensitivity and equal opportunity, adding that students’ career aspirations should not be placed in conflict with their cultural heritage.
The representation was signed by SKK president Hipito Achumi, general secretary P. Samuel Chophy, and secretary for education and statistics Ito K. Yepthomi.