SKK demands rescheduling of NSSB exam over Ahuna festival conflict
Zunheboto, October 9 (MExN): The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) has strongly objected to the scheduling of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE) on November 14, stating that it coincides with Ahuna, the traditional and significant festival of the Sümi community.
In a representation addressed to the Chairman of the NSSB dated October 9, SKK President Hipito Achumi, General Secretary P Samuel Chophy, and Education & Statistics Secretary Ito K Yepthomi emphasized that Ahuna is an integral part of the cultural identity, traditions, and collective life of the community rather than just a social gathering.
The union stated that scheduling a major competitive examination on this occasion places Sümi aspirants in an unfair dilemma between pursuing their career aspirations and observing their traditional festival.
The student body noted that as a state-level recruitment body, the NSSB is expected to demonstrate due consideration for the diverse cultural identities and traditions of Nagaland, warning that fixing a major exam on a festival date raises concerns regarding sensitivity, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity.
Consequently, the SKK has firmly demanded that the NSSB immediately reconsider and reschedule the CSRE examination to a suitable date in the interest of affected aspirants. Furthermore, the union called upon the Board to ensure future examination schedules account for major community festivals to prevent avoidable conflicts.
