Tapir Gao says APFRA not against any religion, urges Arunachal Christian Forum to avoid protests

Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao has said that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, is neither against nor in favour of any particular religion and is intended solely to protect the identity of religious communities in the state.

Responding to media queries on the contentious legislation, Gao stated that the High-Power Committee constituted to frame the rules of the Act has already submitted its draft recommendations.

He clarified that there is no provision in the draft rules suggesting that the Act would be implemented differently for indigenous or non-indigenous communities.

"The APFRA is not against any religion nor does it favour any religion. The purpose of the Act is to protect identity and provide a legal framework regarding the religion a person follows and preaches," Gao said.

The BJP MP further asserted that the legislation is aimed at safeguarding religious identities and ensuring proper documentation of faith affiliations, rather than targeting any particular community.

Addressing concerns raised by sections of the Christian community, Gao urged the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) to refrain from organising rallies or protests against the implementation of the Act.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains committed to its principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and reiterated that the Act should not be viewed through a religious or political lens.

"The BJP works for all communities. The APFRA is intended to protect identity and serve as a legal document to ascertain which religion an individual follows and preaches," he added.

The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, enacted in 1978, has recently sparked debate in the state following moves by the government to frame rules for its implementation. Various civil society organisations and religious groups have expressed differing views on the Act, leading to discussions across the state regarding its implications.