The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced plans to escalate its campaign against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, a law they deem discriminatory and outdated. The ACF has scheduled a hunger strike on February 17 in the Itanagar capital region, with participation from Christian believers across various denominations. If the government does not respond to their demands, the ACF plans to stage a gherao of the state assembly on March 6 during the assembly session.
The 1978 Act, often referred to as an anti-conversion law, was enacted to regulate religious conversions in the state. However, it has remained dormant for decades, with successive governments refraining from implementing it. The ACF, established in 1979, has been at the forefront of opposing this legislation, labeling it as “blatantly anti-Christian.
In recent times, there have been indications from the state government about reviving the Act. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the law’s role in preserving indigenous faith and culture, stating that a properly structured Freedom of Religion Act would play a significant role in this regard.
The ACF’s planned protests are a direct response to these developments. The hunger strike on February 17 aims to draw attention to their demands, while the proposed gherao of the state assembly on March 6 is intended to exert pressure on lawmakers during the assembly session. The ACF is also reaching out to elected representatives to raise their concerns on the floor of the assembly.
The ACF’s opposition to the Act is rooted in concerns that its enforcement could lead to misuse by authorities, potentially infringing on religious freedoms. They argue that the law is unnecessary and poses a threat to the secular fabric of the state.
The revival of the 1978 Act has sparked a broader debate about religious freedom and cultural preservation in Arunachal Pradesh. While the government asserts that the law is necessary to protect indigenous traditions, Christian groups fear it could be used to target their communities.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the government’s response to the ACF’s demands and the potential impact of the planned protests on the state’s political landscape.
The ACF’s actions underscore the ongoing tension between efforts to preserve indigenous culture and the rights of religious minorities in Arunachal Pradesh. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the state’s social harmony and governance.
In addition, the Arunachal Christian Forum’s intensified campaign against the 1978 Religion Act highlights the complex interplay between cultural preservation and religious freedom in the state. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these competing interests are balanced.
