The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has given the Arunachal Pradesh government a 15-day ultimatum to halt the framing and notification of rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, warning that failure to comply could prompt statewide democratic protests, including mass rallies and a possible bandh. The demand was made in a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and seeks an immediate suspension of the rule-making process.
In the memorandum the ACF said it strongly opposes efforts to operationalise the decades-old law through new rules. The forum asked for three concrete commitments: an immediate suspension of the entire rule-framing and notification process; a formal pledge that no rules will be notified, implemented or enforced; and a public declaration to halt the process while launching comprehensive consultations on repealing the Act with all affected stakeholders.
The ACF argued that implementing APFRA without consensus could have serious consequences for constitutional rights, religious freedom, social harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities in the state. The memorandum expressed deep concern from the Christian community that the rules, once notified, may curtail fundamental freedoms or strain inter-community relations.
The forum also criticised recent actions by the High-Powered Committee (HPC) set up to examine APFRA-related issues, saying these steps were taken in undue haste and have generated widespread apprehension and resentment. The ACF alleged that repeated appeals from religious bodies, civil society organisations and citizens for broader consultation were ignored, and that the government appears determined to proceed without adequate stakeholder engagement.
Asserting that any move affecting religious freedom should be preceded by broad-based dialogue, the ACF warned that notification and implementation of rules without consensus could lead to avoidable tensions and unrest. If the government does not respond within the 15-day period, the forum said it may be compelled to organise protest programmes across the state aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of the Christian community while seeking to preserve peace and communal harmony.
The memorandum was signed by ACF president James Techi Tara, secretary general Yomrik Lombi and senior vice-president Nabam Niba Hina, and copies were also submitted to the Governor, the Chief Secretary and various media organisations. The development is expected to intensify the ongoing debate over APFRA, a law enacted in 1978 to prohibit conversions through force, inducement or fraud that has largely remained dormant until recent government moves to frame and notify implementing rules.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-christian-forum-gives-15-day-ultimatum-to-govt-over-apfra-rules-warns-of-protests-1401932-2026-06-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-03 12:54:00
