Arunachal Pradesh witnessed heightened tensions on Monday as thousands of people from the Christian community participated in an eight-hour hunger strike organized by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) in Itanagar. The protest, led by prominent community leaders, was held in strong opposition to the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, which is currently being enforced by the state government. The Act has sparked widespread discontent among the Christian community, with many asserting that it infringes upon their fundamental rights to freedom of faith and belief.
The protest gathered considerable momentum as several MLAs joined the hunger strike in solidarity, voicing their concerns about the implications of the APFRA. Participants displayed placards with messages such as “We demand the repeal of APFRA,” “Do not turn us against one another,” and “There is no honor in enforcing APFRA.” These slogans underscored the growing frustration among the Christian population, who feel that the law is targeting their faith specifically.
What is the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act?
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), which was enacted in 1978, seeks to regulate religious conversions in the state and prevent forced or fraudulent conversions. The law mandates that individuals wishing to change their religion must inform the district magistrate about the conversion, and religious leaders must also inform authorities if they are involved in a conversion process. The law is often seen as controversial, especially in states where religious conversion is a common practice due to various socio-cultural and economic factors.
While the Act was designed to curb forced conversions, the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh believes that it has been disproportionately used against them. Many argue that the law is a tool to restrict their religious freedom and that it violates their constitutional rights.
Arunachal Christian Forum’s Stance on the APFRA
The ACF, a leading organization representing the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh, has been at the forefront of protesting against the APFRA. ACF President Tarh Miri led the hunger strike, voicing strong objections to the enforcement of the Act. He stated, “We oppose this Act. Anti-conversion laws are enforced in 11 states, and this law is specifically targeted against Christianity.” Miri condemned the Act, describing it as discriminatory and in violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
The protesters are particularly concerned about the potential social implications of enforcing the Act. They argue that it would sow division and mistrust among the people of Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its rich diversity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic and religious groups. “Changing one’s faith is a personal choice. The Indian Constitution restricts forced conversions. We have never seen a complaint lodged against forced conversion. We demand nothing less than the repeal of this Act,” stated ACF Secretary-General James Techi Tara during the protest.
Impact on the Christian Community in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has a major Christian population, especially in the districts of Papum Pare, Upper Subansiri, and West Siang. Christianity has a long history in the region, and the faith has played a crucial role in the social and cultural life of many indigenous tribes. The ACF and its supporters believe that the APFRA’s implementation undermines their right to freely practice and propagate their faith.
The Christian community feels that the law is being used to stifle religious expression, especially in a state that has seen steady growth in Christianity over the years. For many, the protest is not only about the law itself but also about preserving the rights and dignity of the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh.
Political Reactions and Solidarity
The protest against the APFRA has attracted political attention, with several MLAs from the region expressing solidarity with the Christian community. The involvement of elected representatives highlights the importance of the issue and reflects the growing concerns regarding the law. The hunger strike also garnered support from various religious and social organizations, further amplifying the call for the repeal of the controversial Act.
The ongoing protests have also put pressure on the Arunachal Pradesh government to reconsider its stance on the APFRA. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will engage with the protesters and seek to address their grievances or whether tensions will escalate further.
The protests against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act have become a focal point of political and social discourse in the state. The hunger strike organized by the Arunachal Christian Forum has brought attention to the concerns of the Christian community, particularly regarding their rights to religious freedom and expression. With political leaders and community representatives joining the protest, the demand for the repeal of the APFRA is growing louder.
 protests against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), demanding its repeal. The eight-hour hunger strike in Itanagar draws thousands of participants, including MLAs.){kind=link}