DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 18 (MExN): The Pathso Range Students' Union (PRSU) has censured what it termed as” activities of Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association (KBCA) on disrespecting linguistic diversity of the Khiamniungans.”
A press release from the PRSU said that during the Khiamniungan Baptist Christian Conference (KBCC) held from December 1 to 3, “the KBCA restricted the use of the word 'tuathih' in the official nomenclature of the host Church, Pathso Nokeng Baptist Tuathih (PNBT), and offered alternatives to use (a) Donthe (b) Church (c) or either leave with just the village name.”
“The restriction was conveyed to the local Church, after the programme was made and put in printing press, by KBCA staffs,” it stated. The PRSU further claimed that the KBCA visited the Church “solely to convey the restriction on September 16 and 17.”
“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,” the PRSU informed.
Amid concern raised by the Pathso Nokeng Students' Union (PNSU), it informed that a 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 stated.
It meanwhile reminded of the PNBT declaration dated August 6, 2023, basing on its 2022 general meeting minute, where it stated that the Church shall be known officially as Pathso Nokeng Baptist Tuathih.
“As language is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity, the PRSU will not remain a mute spectator. We express our displeasure and reject such impositions that contribute to the adulteration and erosion of our mother tongue,” it asserted.
