Punji Mara

Punji​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Mara was a breath of fresh air in the stale and murky political world of Arunachal Pradesh as he climbed the ladder of political power over the years and eventually stood out as one of the longest-serving leaders of Taliha in Arunachal Pradesh. He was the people’s man from the outset and found favor in the eyes of the local communities through his direct approach, which was characterized by self-mobilisation, and eventually he became a key representative for the Upper Subansiri district. His political stance was influenced by his direct contact, community visits, and his unchanging role in the regional affairs.

Wholly, he was the one who, through his different political ideologies and acumen band, represented the Taliha constituency, and because of local trust which was sustained, he tasted victory over and over in the elections he contested. His duration in office included getting his hands dirty with the implementation of development programs, administration of the constituency, and legislative duties. Through his prolonged public service, he became known to the people as a seasoned, ever-present, and stabilizing figure, thus a person worthy of respect regardless of political affiliations.

It looks like he was the one whom the people of the last generation will tell about his hands. He persisted in contributing to the development of the area, and even when his health was not in good shape, he remained spirited. Punji Mara breathed his last on 18 November 2025, only a day ago, and hence, the region has lost a leader of considerable weight and whose influence dominated Taliha's political life for the last forty ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌years.