The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) will protest from February 10 to 17 against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, deeming it unconstitutional. The ACF has called for prayer and fasting, leading to a hunger strike on February 17 and a march on March 6, opposing the government’s implementation of the law amidst religious concerns.
ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a weeklong statewide protest from February 10 to 17 against the state government’s move to enforce the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. The religious body has termed the law “unconstitutional” and an “infringement” on religious rights.
The Act, passed 46 years ago under former Chief Minister P.K. Thungon, aims to prevent forced religious conversions through inducement or fraudulent means. It imposes penalties of up to two years in jail and fines of Rs 10,000 for violations.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, ACF President Tarh Miri stated that the forum has opposed the Act since its inception and strongly disapproves of the government’s decision to implement it now.
As part of their protest, the ACF has called for a statewide week of prayer and fasting from February 10 to 17. The Christian community has been urged not to hold any celebrations, including birthdays or picnics, during this period.
The protest will escalate with a hunger strike on February 17 at a tennis court in Itanagar, followed by a protest march around the state assembly on March 6. The march coincides with the upcoming assembly session, where discussions on the Act’s implementation are expected.
The Arunachal government’s decision follows a September 30 directive by the Gauhati High Court, which ordered the state to finalize rules under the Freedom of Religion Act within six months.
The directive came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Naharlagun resident Tambo Tamim, who challenged the government’s failure to frame rules despite the Act being in place for over four decades.
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Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated in December that the government would soon finalize and implement the Act. He emphasized that a structured Freedom of Religion Act is necessary to preserve Arunachal’s indigenous faith and culture.
The ACF has sought intervention from government officials, including MLA Alo Libang and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, but has not received a positive response.
According to the 2011 Census, Christians constitute 30.26% of Arunachal Pradesh’s population, making religious matters a crucial issue in the state.
The state government has not issued an official response yet, and further updates will follow.
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