PPA opposes enforcement of Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, seeks wider legislative deliberation

The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), an alliance partner of the BJP under the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), has strongly opposed the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, expressing concerns over its potential social and cultural impact in the state.

PPA leaders stated that enforcing the legislation at the present juncture could disrupt social harmony, deepen communal divisions, and adversely affect indigenous traditions and cultural rights.

PPA president and MLA from Doimukh constituency, Nabam Vivek, urged the state government to suspend the implementation process and convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly to facilitate broader consultation and deliberation on the matter.

According to the party, implementation of the Act may create divisions within tribal communities and families, potentially affecting the peaceful coexistence that Arunachal Pradesh has historically maintained.

The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was enacted in 1978 with the stated objective of prohibiting religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement. However, recent discussions surrounding its enforcement have generated renewed public debate and differing viewpoints across the state.

The PPA maintained that any decision on the Act should emerge through wider consensus-building and inclusive dialogue involving stakeholders across communities.