Itanagar: Indigenous cultural and faith organisations in Arunachal Pradesh, led by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), held a Sadbhavna Padayatra in Doimukh on Saturday, urging the immediate enforcement of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
Participants highlighted the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions, faiths, and identities amid increasing concerns over forced religious conversions.
“The APFRA is critical to preserving our cultural heritage and protecting our communities from marginalisation. We urge the government to implement this Act without further delay,” said IFCSAP Vice President Pai Dawe.
Enacted in 1978, the APFRA aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions while ensuring the socio-cultural integrity of Arunachal Pradesh.
However, enforcement of the Act has been inconsistent, prompting fresh calls for action.
On Friday, an IFCSAP delegation met with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who is visiting Arunachal Pradesh ahead of the RSS centenary celebrations.
While details of the discussion remain undisclosed, sources suggest the delegation raised pressing concerns regarding indigenous faiths and cultural preservation.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) continues to oppose the Act, calling it unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The ACF recently staged a hunger strike and announced plans for further protests during the state assembly’s Budget session on March 6.
In September 2024, the Gauhati High Court directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to frame rules for the Act within six months, citing its incomplete implementation over 46 years.
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Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed that the government is working on finalising the rules and reassured that the Act aims to protect indigenous cultures rather than target any religious community.
“The rules will ensure that the Act serves its intended purpose of preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s unique identity,” Khandu stated.
Originally introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister P.K. Thungon, the Act prescribes penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of Rs. 10,000, for individuals found guilty of inducing or coercing religious conversions.
The debate around the APFRA highlights the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and respecting constitutional freedoms, as indigenous and religious groups await the government’s next move.
