/ PRESS RELEASE /

                The Central Nyokum Committee in the first ever meeting of its kind, christened; ‘Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) interface with all religion/religious denominations of the community’ had a threadbare discussion regarding celebration of Nyokum-the grandest festival of the community mainly from 24^th to 28^th February every year. The meeting was conducted in pursuance to the circular of 2^nd December 2014 at Nyikum Nyia Hall, Nyirubjolli, today, 16^th December 2014, Tuesday, from 10.00 am under the chairmanship of its chairman, Shri Bengia Tolum.

Apart from CNC executive members; Social Worker, Presidents, General Secretaries and representatives of Central Nyeder Namlo, Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA)-member representative of the community, Nyishi Baptist Church (NBCC), Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (NIFCSAP), Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (APCRCC) and Pastors represented the religions and religious denominations of the Nyishi community.

The house echoed in unison that-NYOKUM YULLO has been the unifying force of the community, especially from the on-set of the inter-village celebrations centrally since the sixties and has been the media of preservation of Nyishi Art & Culture-the very identity of being a Nyishi. In other words, NYISHI and NYOKUM is an inseparable entity and thus both must co-exist, other wise there would be a serious identity crisis, the members asserted.

After through deliberations, the following resolutions were evolved unanimously as follows:-

1.                          Jointly decided to refer to a committee of religious experts of all religions/religious denominations to be called; All Religions Interface Committee of Nyishi (ARICoN) regarding participation of some faiths in ritual performance during the Nyokum Yullo. The Presidents/General Secretaries of all religions shall nominate two members of their religious experts with past track of patriotism in community ideology.

2.                          Jointly agreed in principle that the said committee shall come out with recommendations for certain compromise in participation, so that every Nyishis’ could take part, however, without distortion to the fundamental fabric of the festival.

3.                          Jointly declared that, till then, the Nyishis’ of all religions and faith of all religious denominations shall enthusiastically take part in Nyokum Yullo with traditional pomp and show; preserve all forms of Nyishi Art & Culture and its traditions.

4.                          And jointly adopted the ‘THE BROAD GUIDELINES ON CELEBRATION OF NYOKUM YULLO’ issued vide No.CNC/SG-01/2013-16 dated 18^th December 2013 which was circulated appreciated by the participants.

With the above resolutions, the meeting ended with vote of thanks from Mrs. Tadar Yadir, Vice Chairperson, CNC followed by working lunch hosted by Er. Pai Dawe, Assistant Secretary General, Central Nyokum Committee.