Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday that the previously inactive Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, will soon be properly implemented in Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar, Khandu highlighted the contributions of the state’s first Chief Minister, PK Thungon, under whose leadership the legislation was initially passed.
The Act aims to prevent religious conversions by force, inducement, or fraud, and had remained dormant until a recent Gauhati High Court directive prompted the state government to expedite the rule-framing process. Khandu assured that the rules are being developed, stating the Act will be instrumental in preserving the indigenous faith and culture of the state.
In his address, Khandu emphasized the inseparability of faith and culture, expressing concern over the global decline of indigenous tribes and cultures. He praised Arunachal Pradesh for maintaining its indigenous traditions despite modernization pressures, crediting the efforts of IFCSAP and its volunteers.
The Chief Minister acknowledged pioneers like Golgi Bote and late Talom Rukbo, among others, for their contributions to indigenous faith and culture. He also mentioned the establishment of the Department of Indigenous Affairs in 2017, which will soon be renamed to better represent its role in safeguarding the state’s heritage.
Khandu stressed that preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural identity is a shared responsibility beyond just government efforts. He called upon IFCSAP, community-based organizations (CBOs), and the 26 major tribes of the state to actively participate in this mission.
He reiterated the government’s unconditional support for the indigenous movement and urged all stakeholders to continue working to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage for future generations.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-cm-pema-khandu-soon-we-will-have-a-properly-structured-freedom-of-religion-act-1145455-2024-12-28?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-12-28 14:02:00
