Following a Gauhati High Court directive, the state government is now finalizing operational guidelines for the 1978 anti-conversion law to prevent coercive or deceptive religious conversions.
BY PC bureau
In response to growing concerns over the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), Chief Minister Pema Khandu asserted that the forthcoming rules are intended to safeguard the state’s indigenous culture and traditions—not to discriminate against any religious group. He explained that the move to finalize the rules was prompted by a directive from the Gauhati High Court, which last September mandated that the state government establish the necessary guidelines within six months.
“For over four decades, the Act existed as a mere document without operational rules. Now, adhering to the court’s instruction, we are developing the necessary framework,” Khandu said during the Statehood Day celebrations.
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Originally enacted under Chief Minister Prem Khandu Thungan, the APFRA seeks to prevent religious conversions achieved through coercion or deception, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Khandu emphasized that the primary objective of the Act is to protect Arunachal Pradesh’s unique cultural heritage, irrespective of individual religious affiliations. “While our faiths may differ, our shared tribal ancestry and cultural practices unite us. This Act is about preserving our collective heritage and should not be used for political gain,” he added.
However, the Act has sparked significant opposition from the Arunachal Christian Forum and allied Christian groups, who claim that it unfairly targets the Christian community—a significant portion of the state’s population. Labeling the Act “unconstitutional,” protestors have mobilized across the state. A leading member of the Arunachal Christian Forum, Rev. Tenzin Ngawang, stated,
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“We cannot allow a law that discriminates against our community to be implemented. Our religious freedom is non-negotiable, and this Act will only sow further division in our society.”
In response to the mounting protests, Chief Minister Khandu committed to open dialogue. “The government is committed to dialogue. Home Minister Mama Natung has been tasked with addressing any concerns, and our first meeting is scheduled with the Arunachal Christian Forum,” he announced, urging the public to avoid premature judgments.
The unfolding developments highlight a deep divide over the APFRA, with the government stressing its intent to protect cultural heritage, while Christian groups argue that the law, as enforced, undermines their fundamental rights. As discussions continue, all parties are calling for a balanced approach that respects both the state’s indigenous traditions and the religious freedoms of its diverse communities.
