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 traditional dress, ornaments and headgear carry historical, social, artistic and cultural significance.
The organisation also presented a different account of the development of the modern artificial Podum. It stated that Chuku Loma, then a Divisional Forest Officer associated with Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, introduced fibre-made replicas of hornbill beaks around 2000 in response to threats to hornbill populations.
According to the representation, the initiative used wooden, fibreglass and resin/artificial materials as alternatives to natural hornbill beaks.
The complaint further states that hornbill conservation programmes were subsequently undertaken by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, including distribution of fibreglass-made beaks among Nyishi communities.
The NNMR also raised objections to Tatung's alleged religious activities, claiming that he had been involved in Christian preaching despite holding public office.
The organisation has enclosed video footage in support of this allegation and has asked that appropriate action be taken under the applicable rules and procedures.
The organisation has specifically requested the Assembly Speaker to review the official proceedings, audio/video records and transcript of the Assembly and delete the exact statement concerning the origin or development of the Nyishi Podum from the proceedings.
It further appealed for action under the applicable Assembly rules, while stating that its representation was not intended to restrict legitimate political discussion or expression, but to seek historical accuracy and protection of indigenous cultural heritage.
