Arunachal Pradesh CM Confirms Implementation of Anti-Conversion Law
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Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed the enforcement of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, in response to a Gauhati High Court ruling. The law aims to clarify religious conversion regulations while emphasizing individual freedom of faith.
Key Takeaways
- Pema Khandu emphasizes enforcement of APFRA.
- Regulations to be framed post-consultation with religious communities.
- Encourages youth to dispel misinformation on APFRA.
- Protests led by ACF against the Act continue.
- Over two lakh Christians united against the legislation.
Itanagar, March 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, reiterated on Saturday that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978 will be enforced, following an order from the Gauhati High Court (Itanagar Bench) directing the state government to establish the necessary regulations for its implementation.
During the opening session of the Inter-Tribe Festival-2025 in Itanagar, the Chief Minister emphasized that APFRA does not favor or oppose any specific religion.
He encouraged the youth and members of the Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) to engage in discussions to clarify misunderstandings regarding APFRA.
“We are a secular nation. A Buddhist may choose to become a Hindu, or any Hindu may adopt Indigenous Faith. Similarly, practitioners of Indigenous Faith can convert to Christianity or Hinduism. This is a personal decision, and this Act will not infringe upon that freedom,” the Chief Minister asserted. Khandu highlighted the necessity of formulating the rules for APFRA due to the High Court's directive.
However, he noted that the rules will be developed only after consulting the diverse religious communities residing and practicing within Arunachal Pradesh.
Praising the state’s unity amidst diversity and the harmonious coexistence of its tribes, Khandu urged educated youth to raise awareness among the less informed and the broader community, particularly when 'rumors' or 'misinterpretations' arise from a few with vested interests.
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), the premier organization of Christians in Arunachal Pradesh, has been protesting against the enforcement of APFRA. Recently, thousands gathered under the ACF banner for a peaceful protest near Itanagar on March 6, voicing concerns that the law could jeopardize the rights of Christians in the state and restrict their religious freedoms.
On February 17, the ACF organized an eight-hour hunger strike at NIIS Nyokum Ground in Borum, Naharlagun Circle, to demonstrate against the Act.
ACF president Tarh Miri mentioned that over two lakh Christians from various denominations assembled at Borum, close to Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar, on March 6.
In the midst of ongoing protests against APFRA, ACF leaders, led by Miri, met with the state’s Home Minister Mama Natung on February 21, but the discussions were inconclusive.
Following the significant meeting, Miri indicated that the Home Minister reassured them that the government would persist in discussing their concerns and would schedule further talks soon.
“The Home Minister stated that the government must abide by the Gauhati High Court order to formulate the rules for implementing APFRA, 1978. Nevertheless, he assured that the state government would continue engaging with the ACF regarding the issue,” Miri told IANS.
According to the 2011 census, the Christian demographic in Arunachal Pradesh stands at 4.19 lakh (30.26 percent) of the total population of 13.84 lakh in the state.
