The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its steadfast opposition to the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978, announcing that it will proceed with its planned protest on 6 March despite being denied permission by district authorities.
At an urgent meeting convened at its Naharlagun headquarters on February 27, ACF leaders and representatives from various Christian denominations reiterated their demand for the complete repeal of the Act, which they claim infringes upon religious freedoms and the fundamental rights of Christians in the state.
“We are clear in our demand - this Act must be scrapped entirely. It infringes upon religious freedom and the fundamental rights of our community. We are open to discussions with the government, but our stand remains unchanged,” ACF President Tarh Miri stated whilst addressing the media.
The ACF’s Secretary General, James Techi Tara, displayed equal resolve in the face of administrative opposition. “If the state government wants to use force, we are prepared to face any consequences. However, our demand remains the same - APFRA-1978 must be scrapped,” he asserted.
This reaffirmation of the ACF’s position follows a meeting last week between ACF leaders and Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung and Minister of Social Justice Kento Jini. During that meeting, Home Minister Natung expressed willingness to engage in further dialogue, but the Christian Forum has remained resolute in its call for abolition rather than amendment of the Act.
The standoff has intensified despite government efforts to resolve the dispute through consultation. A meeting at the State Civil Secretariat on Friday between senior government officials - including Home Minister Natung and Law Minister Jini - and ACF representatives ended in stalemate after hours of deliberation.
Following the inconclusive talks, Home Minister Natung emphasised that the law does not discriminate against any community. “We have invited the ACF to suggest modifications to address their concerns, but repealing the Act is not an option,” he stated, urging citizens not to spread misinformation about the law’s intent.
“We have thoroughly discussed the issue and the Act’s provisions. There is no provision in the Act which targets any particular religion,” Natung added, noting that the government had sought the ACF’s suggestions for potential incorporation into the Act “so that the Christians don’t feel deprived and targeted.”
The ACF, however, has hardened its stance. “We will not term today’s meeting successful or unsuccessful. Where is Christian protection in the Act? Though the CM said that Christian people are also indigenous, the Act says otherwise,” said Tara, indicating that the ACF would not participate in further consultations regarding amendments to the Act, maintaining that it should be repealed entirely.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) and its district units have been organising “Sadbhavna Pad Yatra” demonstrations across various districts, rallying support for the framing of rules for APFRA-1978 in accordance with the directive of the Guwahati High Court. The IFCSAP has called for the protection of indigenous faith, cultural heritage, and the preservation of traditional religious practices.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has repeatedly attempted to allay concerns about the Act’s purpose. Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nyokum - the Nyishi community’s most significant festival - in Chayangtajo, East Kameng district, Khandu emphasised that the Act is meant to preserve indigenous culture, not restrict religious freedom.
“The Act has existed since 1978, but lacked specific rules. Following the Hon’ble High Court’s directive, we are framing the rules now, ensuring they neither favour nor oppose any religion,” stated Khandu, wearing traditional Nyishi attire during the celebration.
The Chief Minister reiterated that practising any faith is a personal choice and the state has no intention to interfere. However, he stressed the collective responsibility of both government and citizens to protect Arunachal’s indigenous identity, encouraging community elders to pass down cultural traditions to younger generations.
For those seeking clarity on the Act, Khandu has encouraged direct dialogue with Home Minister Natung, assuring that all concerns and suggestions would be considered whilst drafting the final rules.
The ACF, for some time now, has been staging a hunger strike, demanding the complete repeal of the Act, which they claim “unfairly targets” Christians. The state government, however, maintains that the APFRA is designed to protect indigenous religious practices and does not single out any particular faith.
With the ACF’s unwavering stance on complete repeal and the government’s position that the Act cannot be scrapped, the dispute appears far from resolution as the 6 March protest date approaches.
