The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has ramped up its demand for the complete repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, claiming that the legislation is discriminatory and threatens the Christian community in the state. The organization has also announced plans for a protest on March 6, coinciding with the budget session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Arunachal Christian Forum’s Stance on APFRA
The ACF has long opposed the APFRA, 1978, arguing that it unfairly targets Christians and restricts religious freedom. The organization believes that the law is outdated and violates the constitutional rights of religious minorities in the state.
During a two-hour-long meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung and Law Minister Kento Jini, ACF representatives expressed their concerns over the continued enforcement of APFRA. However, no concrete decision was reached, further fueling the ACF’s determination to continue its movement.
ACF President Tarh Miri, addressing the media at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar, stated:
“The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act unfairly discriminates against Christians and fails to recognize them as an integral part of the state’s indigenous communities. We had a long discussion with the Home Minister and Law Minister, but the meeting did not result in any conclusive action. Our demand remains firm—the complete repeal of APFRA.”
Why the Arunachal Christian Forum Opposes APFRA, 1978?
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was originally introduced to prevent forced religious conversions. However, the ACF claims that the law is misused to restrict Christian religious practices in the state.
Key Reasons for Opposition
- Alleged Discrimination Against Christians:
- The ACF believes that APFRA unfairly singles out the Christian community, while other religious groups do not face similar scrutiny.
- Violation of Religious Freedom:
- The Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of religion under Article 25, which allows citizens to freely practice, profess, and propagate their faith. The ACF argues that APFRA contradicts this fundamental right.
- Lack of Indigenous Recognition:
- The law does not recognize Christians as indigenous people, despite the fact that many tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh have followed Christianity for generations.
- Potential for Misuse:
- The ACF fears that the law is being used as a tool to target Christian missionaries and institutions operating in the state.
Planned Protest Near Arunachal Legislative Assembly
Dissatisfied with the government’s response, the ACF has decided to escalate its movement by organizing a protest on March 6. The demonstration will be held near the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, coinciding with the state’s budget session.
Objectives of the Protest
- Demanding the Complete Repeal of APFRA, 1978
- Raising Awareness About Religious Discrimination
- Urging the Government to Uphold Constitutional Religious Freedom
ACF President Tarh Miri reaffirmed that the protest will be peaceful and democratic, but warned that if the government fails to respond positively, larger demonstrations may follow.
Government’s Position on APFRA
While the Arunachal Pradesh government has not yet agreed to repeal the law, state ministers have previously stated that APFRA is intended to prevent forced conversions and maintain social harmony.
Home Minister Mama Natung and Law Minister Kento Jini have assured the ACF that their concerns will be discussed further, but no definitive action has been taken so far.
The state government maintains that APFRA is not meant to target any specific religious community, but the ACF strongly disagrees with this position.
Broader Implications of APFRA and Religious Freedom in India
The debate over APFRA, 1978, is part of a larger discussion on religious freedom in India. Similar anti-conversion laws exist in other states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat, and have been the subject of legal and political controversies.
The ACF’s protest could set a precedent for other religious groups challenging such laws in India. If the Arunachal Pradesh government agrees to repeal APFRA, it could influence similar legal debates in other states.
ACF’s Fight for Religious Freedom Continues
The Arunachal Christian Forum remains firm in its demand for the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, viewing it as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
With no concrete response from the state government, the ACF is set to stage a protest on March 6, near the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, during the budget session.
 demands the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, calling it discriminatory. ACF plans a protest near the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 6, coinciding with the budget session.){kind=link}