Arunachal Christian Forum Plans Hunger Strike Against Religious Freedom Act Implementation
ITANAGAR, 15 Feb: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a hunger strike in protest of the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm on 17 February at the Nyishi Indigenous Identity Society Nyokum ground in Borum village. The Act, dormant until now, is set to be enforced with newly framed rules, as indicated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
In a show of solidarity, all district Christian forums and units across Arunachal Pradesh will participate in localized hunger strikes on the same day. Christians from the Itanagar Capital Region, including inter-denomination heads and some Christian legislators, are also expected to join. Meanwhile, the Gumto Circle Christian Forum will demonstrate outside the Papum Pare DC office in Yupia.
The hunger strike follows a directive from the Gauhati High Court’s Itanagar bench in September 2024, where two judges ordered the state to finalize the APFRA’s draft rules within six months. This decision came as a result of a public interest litigation filed by advocate Tambo Tamin.
The ACF’s protests highlight concerns over the implications of enforcing the 1978 Act. As tension builds, the forum’s actions signify a collective dissent against potential infringements on religious freedoms in the state.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/02/16/christians-to-observe-hunger-strike-over-apfra-implementation/
Category : State News
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Publish Date: 2025-02-16 00:45:00
