Arunachal Christian Forum demands repeal of APFRA, plans protest during budget session

The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has intensified its demand for the complete repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, calling it discriminatory and a threat to the Christian community.

After a crucial two-hour meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung and Law Minister Kento Jini, ACF President Tarh Miri addressed the media at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar. He stated that the discussion did not yield any concrete outcomes, reinforcing their stance that the law unfairly targets Christians and fails to recognize them as indigenous people of the state.

The ACF announced that it will continue its democratic movement against the Act and has planned a protest near the Legislative Assembly on March 6, coinciding with the commencement of the budget session.

Also Read: CM Khandu reassures public on Arunachal Freedom of Religion Act amid growing protests

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has maintained that the APFRA is designed to protect indigenous culture and is not intended to target any religious group. "While we may have different religious backgrounds, we all share a common indigenous identity," Khandu emphasized.

The Chief Minister pointed out that despite being in place since 1978, the Act had remained largely incomplete, with only two pages drafted and no implementation rules framed. Following a recent directive from the Gauhati High Court, the state government has been tasked with amending and finalizing the rules within six months. Khandu assured that the final version would not discriminate against any religious community, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.

The controversy over the APFRA has reignited tensions between the government and religious organizations, with Christian groups viewing it as a tool for religious discrimination. With protests planned during the budget session, the debate over the Act is set to take center stage in Arunachal Pradesh’s political landscape.