ITANAGAR, 16 Feb: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has decided to accept a discussion invitation from Home Minister Mama Natung regarding the contentious Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. This meeting is scheduled for 21 February. Despite agreeing to the talks, ACF President Tarh Miri has confirmed that the forum will proceed with a planned hunger strike on 17 February. The strike is a protest against the government’s decision to implement APFRA, which the ACF strongly opposes, demanding its complete repeal.
Earlier, the home minister extended an invitation to the ACF following their announcement of the hunger strike. He requested the forum to cancel the strike, but ACF remained firm, emphasizing their right to protest. The ACF has been vocal about its opposition and has planned several agitations, starting with a weeklong fasting and prayer event beginning on 10 February across the state. Furthermore, the forum has warned that if their demands are not met, they will stage a gherao of the state assembly on 6 March during the Assembly session.
The backdrop to this controversy dates back to December 2024, when Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the previously dormant APFRA would soon have its rules framed and enforced. The controversy intensified after the Gauhati High Court’s Itanagar bench, in September 2024, directed the state government to finalize the draft rules of the Act within six months. This directive came as part of the closure of a public interest litigation filed by advocate Tambo Tamin.
The ongoing dialogue between the government and ACF is critical as both parties explore avenues to handle the implementation of the Act amidst growing public interest and scrutiny.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/02/17/acf-accepts-invitation-for-talks-with-govt-to-proceed-with-hunger-strike/
Category : Bengia Ajum,State News
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Publish Date: 2025-02-17 00:40:00
