Massive rally in support of APFRA 1978: Indigenous faith groups demand immediate implementation

The demand for the immediate implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, gained strong momentum as hundreds of indigenous faith believers rallied in Doimukh on Saturday. 

Organized by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFSCAP), the Sadbhavna Pad Yatra saw passionate calls for enforcing the Act to protect indigenous traditions from forced religious conversions.

Supporters emphasized that APFRA 1978 is not against any religion but is essential to prevent fraudulent and inducement-based conversions, ensuring religious harmony in the state. They urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to frame rules and implement the Act without further delay.

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Meanwhile, opposition to the Act is intensifying. The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a gherao of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 6 during the upcoming Budget Session, claiming that the Act threatens religious freedom.

As the debate over APFRA 1978 deepens, Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing a sharp divide between those advocating for cultural preservation and safeguards against conversion and those fearing restrictions on religious practices. The government now faces mounting pressure to take a decisive stand on the contentious law.