Arunachal indigenous groups launch “Maun Vrat” over delay in implementing Freedom of Religion Act

Members of the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) staged a 12-hour silent protest at Indira Gandhi Park, demanding the framing of rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. The demonstrators observed “Maun Vrat” as a symbolic act to highlight the prolonged inaction on implementing the provisions of the Act.

 

The protest was led by IFCSAP President Dr Emi Rumi and Secretary Maya Murtem, with former President Kahtung Wahge and several others participating. The silent protest took place near the Tennis Court adjoining IG Park in Itanagar, where members sat on a peaceful dharna throughout the day.

 

This demonstration is a part of a larger protest movement that began on October 18 with a mass rally themed “APFRA 1978: Ab Tak Kyu? Kab Tak? Delhi Chalo”. Thousands of indigenous faith practitioners from across all 27 districts of Arunachal Pradesh took part in the rally, demanding urgent implementation of the Act’s rules. After issuing a month-long ultimatum to the state government, IFCSAP initiated a phased protest—beginning with black-badge demonstrations and now entering the silent agitation phase.

 

The group has announced that an indefinite hunger strike will commence on December 1 if the government fails to take prompt action on their demands.

 

The 'Maun Vrat' will continue for the second day as well starting from 7 am in the morning, that will continue to 7 pm.

 

The APFRA-1978 remains a subject of heated debate. While the Christian community has expressed concern that the Act could be used to unfairly target Christian believers, IFCSAP leaders and the BJP-led state government maintain that the legislation is essential to protect indigenous faith traditions from forced conversions and cultural erosion.