Synopsis
On March 6, thousands of Christians gathered in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, to peacefully protest the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) organized this dharna, claiming the law threatens their religious freedom.Key Takeaways
- Over two lakh Christians protested against APFRA.
- ACF claims the law infringes on religious freedoms.
- Initial plans to gherao the state Assembly were altered.
- ACF held an eight-hour hunger strike earlier this month.
- Dialogue with the state government is ongoing.
Itanagar, March 6 (NationPress) Thousands of individuals, united under the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), conducted a peaceful dharna near Itanagar to express their dissent against the enforcement of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, which is perceived as an anti-conversion law.
According to ACF president Tarh Miri, more than two lakh Christians from various denominations converged at Borum, located close to Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar.
The ACF, serving as the principal organization for Christians in Arunachal Pradesh, has been protesting the enforcement of the APFRA, 1978, asserting that its implementation would negatively impact Christians in the region and infringe upon their religious freedoms.
Miri noted that the ACF initially intended to stage a gherao near the state Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session but later sought and were denied permission to hold the demonstration at the tennis court in Itanagar.
On February 17, the ACF staged an eight-hour hunger strike at NIIS Nyokum Ground in Borum in Naharlagun Circle to protest against the Act.
In the midst of the ongoing protests against the APFRA, 1978, leading figures of the ACF, including Miri, met with the state’s Home Minister Mama Natung on February 21, although the discussions did not yield any resolutions.
Post-meeting, ACF president Miri reported that the Home Minister assured ongoing dialogue regarding their concerns, with intentions of scheduling further discussions shortly.
“The Home Minister indicated that the government must formulate regulations for the implementation of the APFRA, 1978, as mandated by the Gauhati High Court. However, he reiterated that the state government would maintain discussions with the ACF,” Miri informed IANS.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had previously urged the public not to ‘misinterpret’ the APFRA, 1978, as regulations are being created in compliance with the directives of the Gauhati High Court.
The Chief Minister explained that the Act, enacted in 1978 under the administration of the state’s first chief minister, P.K. Thungon, when Arunachal Pradesh was still a Union Territory, is not targeted against any particular religion but aims to preserve the state's rich cultural heritage.
“Since 1978, the Act has merely existed as a two-page document. Regulatory frameworks were not established until an individual brought it before the Gauhati High Court, which ordered the state government to develop the rules within six months. The relevant department and state government are adhering to the court's orders, and a preliminary draft is currently being developed,” he stated.
The Chief Minister assured that the Act is not intended to be against any religion but is designed for the welfare of all.
He lamented that certain individuals are distorting its meaning for political and religious agendas.
“Some individuals are misrepresenting it on social media and mainstream media channels. This is detrimental to the peace and communal harmony of the state,” Khandu remarked.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is always open to inquiries and discussions to dispel any misconceptions regarding the Act.
