Arunachal: Christians Stage Hunger Strike Against 1978 Anti-Conversion Law
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Synopsis
On February 17, members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) conducted an eight-hour hunger strike in protest of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) from 1978, voicing concerns over its potential impact on the Christian community.
Key Takeaways
- ACF protests against APFRA implementation.
- Hunger strike lasted eight hours.
- Gathering held at NIIS Nyokum Ground.
- Legislators from the Christian community participated.
- Upcoming discussions in the state Assembly.
Itanagar, Feb 17 (NationPress) Members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) staged an eight-hour hunger strike on Monday to voice their opposition to the enforcement of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), established in 1978.
Numerous Christians from different denominations, led by the ACF, converged for the hunger strike at NIIS Nyokum Ground in Borum, located within the Naharlagun Circle, to protest against the APFRA.
During the gathering, ACF Secretary General James Techi Tara, President Tarh Miri, and other prominent figures from the forum addressed participants, elucidating the potential adverse effects of implementing the Act on the Christian community.
A few legislators from the Christian demographic also joined the hunger strike organized by the ACF, which took place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Earlier this month, the ACF announced a series of protests after Chief Minister Pema Khandu indicated that the long-dormant Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, would soon have its regulations formulated and enforced in the state.
This announcement followed a directive from the Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court, urging the state government to finalize the draft regulations of the Act within six months starting September 2024.
Following the ACF's announcement of their protests against the law's enforcement, Khandu stated that the government is open to discussions on the matter and assured that the forthcoming regulations would not target any religious group.
ACF President Miri previously mentioned plans to gherao the state Assembly on March 6, coinciding with discussions regarding the Act before its potential enforcement.
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was legislated by the state Assembly during the tenure of the Janata Party-led government, under then Chief Minister P.K. Thungon. This law, which received presidential approval on October 25, 1978, aims to prohibit religious conversions through coercion, inducements, or deceitful means.
The legislation was purportedly introduced due to worries over the perceived threats to indigenous faiths in the region, although successive administrations have generally overlooked the Act.
