Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday that the state will soon implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, which has remained dormant for decades.
The Chief Minister’s commitment to reviving the Act marks a significant shift in policy and governance in Arunachal Pradesh, where religious conversions have been a contentious issue. Khandu emphasized that implementing these rules will not target any specific religion but protect all faiths from forced conversions.
This announcement follows a recent directive from the Gauhati High Court, which mandated the state government to finalize the necessary rules under the Act within six months. The court’s ruling came in response to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Tambo Tamin, who argued that the state had neglected its duty to establish rules for the Act since its enactment 45 years ago.
Khandu’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions across different communities within Arunachal Pradesh. While some groups, like the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), support the revival of the Act as a means of protecting indigenous beliefs, others, particularly from Christian communities, have expressed concerns about potential discrimination and restrictions on religious freedoms.
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, received presidential assent on October 25, 1978. It specifically prohibits conversions by force or inducement and mandates that any conversion must be reported to local authorities. The law was intended to safeguard indigenous religions and prevent perceived threats to cultural identity. The Act is part of a broader context in India, where several states have enacted similar laws regulating religious conversions.
However, successive governments have largely ignored its provisions, leaving it ineffective and unimplemented. Despite its clear intentions to protect religious freedoms, it has faced criticism for being potentially restrictive. The recent court ruling and Khandu’s announcement reflect ongoing tensions surrounding religious identity and freedom in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting indigenous cultures and ensuring individual rights to religious expression.
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