NNMR Seeks Action Against Yachuli MLA Over Podum Remarks
ITANAGAR, September 15: The Nyishi Nyidung Mwngjwng Rallung (NNMR) has submitted a complaint to the Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly seeking action against Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung over remarks concerning the traditional Nyishi Podum/Byopia headgear. In its representation dated September 14, 2026, the organisation alleged that Tatung made a “misleading” statement about the origin and development of the traditional headgear during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Assembly on March 11, 2025. According to the complaint, Tatung had questioned the originality of the traditional Podum and suggested that the modern artificial version was started by a Christian man. The organisation said the remarks misrepresented the historical and cultural origins of the headgear. The NNMR said Podum/Byopia has long been regarded as an important element of Nyishi men's cultural identity and forms part of the community's traditional heritage. It argued that tr...