The recent resurgence of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978 has triggered protests from the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), who view the law as an infringement on religious freedom. ACF members are planning an eight-hour hunger strike on Monday to voice their opposition to the state government's move to implement the law, which has been dormant for over four decades.
The law, passed during the Janata Party-led government, aims to ban religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent methods. It was enacted amid concerns that indigenous religions in the state were under threat, particularly from missionary activities. However, successive governments chose not to enforce the law, allowing it to remain largely irrelevant.
The current protests stem from the state government&rsquo;s recent decision to activate the dormant law, following a directive from the Gauhati High Court. The court mandated the drafting of rules for the Act by September 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu had reassured that the new rules would not discriminate against any religious community. Despite this, the ACF, led by President Tarh Miri, has criticized the government&rsquo;s stance, arguing that the law restricts religious freedom, especially for the Christian community.
For the ACF, the law&rsquo;s revival is not just about the restriction of conversions but about preserving the democratic right to freely practice one&rsquo;s religion. They have long maintained that the APFRA, despite its benign title, has the potential to curb religious expression. Miri and other forum leaders assert that the law is an unnecessary tool to control the religious landscape of the state, particularly since the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh largely practice their traditional religions.
The protests and the hunger strike reflect growing concerns about religious rights in a state that has experienced significant demographic and religious shifts over the years. Christian missionaries have had a notable presence in the region, but the ACF sees the law&rsquo;s implementation as a challenge to the secular fabric of the state. Their plans to &ldquo;gherao&rdquo; the state Assembly on March 6, the day the law is likely to be debated, indicate a mounting level of unrest over what they see as a looming threat to their freedom of faith.
On the other hand, the state government insists that the law, which has been dormant since its passage in 1978, is not aimed at any particular religious group but is simply a measure to regulate conversions, particularly in a region with a complex mosaic of indigenous beliefs. The government has made it clear that it is open to discussions with all parties to clarify any concerns and ensure that the law does not harm religious harmony.
The issue reflects a broader debate in India about the intersection of religion, law, and governance. Arunachal Pradesh, with its diverse religious population, faces a delicate balancing act between protecting indigenous traditions and respecting the religious rights of minorities. With tensions rising, the ACF&rsquo;s hunger strike is just the beginning of what could be a prolonged struggle over the future of the APFRA.
The resolution of this issue will likely depend on the dialogue between the state government and various religious bodies, with the ultimate goal being a peaceful coexistence of Arunachal Pradesh&rsquo;s many religious communities. However, with the Act now poised for implementation, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the law is enacted in a way that upholds the secular principles of the Indian Constitution or whether it becomes a flashpoint for religious and political tensions in the state.

Christian groups argue that the law unfairly contradicts secular principles

Holds hunger strike as state moves to enforce dormant law following court order

Arunachal Christians Protest 1978 Conversion Law

Holds hunger strike as state moves to enforce dormant law following court order

February 17, 2025 | 12:11 IST