Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR :  The Nyishi Indigenous Identity Society (NIIS) has urged the state government to repeal the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and remove the suffix “Yullo” from all official references to the Nyokum Festival, claiming that the addition does not enjoy broad-based consensus within the community.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Monday, NIIS president Dr Gyamar Tana said the organisation had submitted a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu outlining concerns that it believes have implications for communal harmony and social cohesion in the state. Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

On the APFRA, Tana said the legislation had remained largely dormant for decades, but recent developments relating to the framing and implementation of its rules have generated widespread debate among various sections of society. He contended that enforcing the law could create social divisions rather than strengthen peace and harmony.

The organisation appealed to the government to take steps towards repealing the Act in the larger interest of maintaining unity, mutual respect and social harmony among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The NIIS also objected to the use of the term “Nyokum Yullo” in official communications. Referring to a notification issued by the Department of Indigenous Affairs on March 9, 2024, Tana said the festival has traditionally been recognised as “Nyokum Festival” and alleged that the addition of the suffix “Yullo” was made without adequate consultation with stakeholders.

According to the organisation, Nyokum is celebrated by members of the Nyishi community irrespective of religious affiliation and has long served as a unifying cultural festival. While acknowledging the ritual significance of the term “Yullo” in certain traditional practices, NIIS maintained that it is not universally accepted as part of the festival’s official name.

Tana further alleged that the decision was taken without consensus among key stakeholders, including community organisations, cultural bodies, religious groups and other representative institutions of the Nyishi community.

The organisation demanded that the government delete the suffix from all official references, withdraw the notification endorsing its use and restore the nomenclature “Nyokum Festival” in all government records and communications.

Expressing hope that the government would give due consideration to the issues raised, Tana said addressing the concerns would help preserve social harmony and unity. He added that failure to act could lead to growing public dissatisfaction.