Itanagar: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) will move forward with its planned democratic movement on March 6, aimed at demanding the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
ACF secretary-general James Techi Tara said the forum has sought permission from the Itanagar Capital Region district administration to stage a dharna at the tennis court in Itanagar and is awaiting approval.
He clarified that the ACF’s opposition is to the APFRA, not to any specific religious organization.
On the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFSCAP) march last Saturday, Tara stated, “We have no comment on their rally. However, it is crucial to recognize that we are also part of the indigenous population and possess the right to voice our demands.”
The ACF questioned what the need is for implementing the Act, which had been lying dormant for the past 46 years.
He further said that nowhere is it written in the court paper that the APFRA is meant for the preservation of cultures and traditions.
He added that the Act is divisive in nature as it protects only religions like Vaishnavism, Buddhism, and Donyi-Poloism.
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“The Act segregates us in three divisions: Christians, non-Christians and Donyi-Poloism,” he said.
ACF president Tarh Miri stated, “Our already announced democratic movement will continue for which we have submitted representation for approval to the Capital DC.”
