Fiery Protests Ignite in Arunachal: Christian Community Challenges Controversial Freedom of Religion Act
Tensions in Arunachal Pradesh intensified as the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) launched an eight-hour hunger strike in Itanagar on Monday, attracting thousands, including multiple MLAs. The protest opposed the state government’s move to enforce the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. Demonstrators held placards reading, “We demand the repeal of APFRA,” and “There is no honour in enforcing APFRA,” expressing strong disapproval of the government’s initiative.
Led by ACF President Tarh Miri, the protest highlighted concerns that APFRA infringes upon citizens’ fundamental rights to religious freedom. Miri criticized the Act as discriminatory, arguing, “Anti-conversion laws exist in 11 states, and this one specifically targets Christianity.” ACF Secretary-General James Techi Tara added that the Act would divide communities and foster distrust, stating, “Changing one’s faith is a personal choice. We demand nothing less than the repeal of this Act.”
In defense, the Arunachal Pradesh government asserted that they are abiding by a directive from the Gauhati High Court, which ordered the finalization of draft rules for the Act by March 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured that these rules aim to protect Indigenous faiths and are not intended to target specific religions. “The rules are being framed in deference to the High Court’s order,” he explained, pledging to consult with stakeholders on the issue.
Despite the government’s assurances, the ACF accused Khandu of inconsistency, noting his 2018 promise to repeal the Act, which he now supports enforcing. “This is his double standard,” Miri claimed.
The ongoing protests have triggered broader debates in Arunachal Pradesh about religious freedom and the government’s role in regulating religious conversions, likely making the APFRA controversy a persistent topic in the state’s political discourse.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/video/tensions-escalate-in-arunachal-as-christian-community-protests-against-freedom-of-religion-act-1171706-2025-02-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-02-17 18:17:00
