IFCSAP’s ‘Sadbhavna Pad Yatra’ Calls for Immediate Enforcement of APFRA-1978

The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) organised a ‘Sadbhavna Pad Yatra’ on Saturday, urging the government to immediately implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act

The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) organised a ‘Sadbhavna Pad Yatra’ on Saturday, urging the government to immediately implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.

The march, held in the heart of Itanagar, saw participation from various indigenous cultural groups advocating for the protection of their faith, traditions, and identity.

Carrying banners and chanting slogans, the participants called on the government to take swift action in enforcing the APFRA-1978, which was originally enacted to safeguard indigenous communities from forced religious conversions and cultural erosion.

Speaking to Northeast Live, IFCSAP Vice President Pai Dawe stressed the importance of the Act in preserving indigenous heritage.

“The APFRA Act is crucial for protecting our identity. Indigenous communities must not be marginalized or displaced. We urge the government to reinstate and enforce this law to secure our cultural future,” Dawe stated.

First enacted in 1978, the APFRA aims to prevent forced religious conversions and protect the social and cultural well-being of Arunachal’s indigenous communities. However, its lack of strict enforcement has raised concerns among indigenous leaders, who are now pressing for its full implementation.

Christian Forum Opposes the Act, Calls for Protest
While IFCSAP pushes for the enforcement of APFRA-1978, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has strongly opposed it, calling for its complete repeal.

In an emergency meeting held in Naharlagun, ACF leaders, along with representatives from various Christian denominations, reaffirmed their firm stance against the Act, citing it as a violation of religious freedom.

“We are clear in our demand—this Act must be scrapped entirely. It infringes upon religious freedom and fundamental rights,” said ACF President Tarh Miri.

Despite the district administration denying permission for the ACF’s planned protest on March 6, the forum remains undeterred.

“If the government uses force, we are ready to face the consequences. But we will not back down from our demand,” asserted ACF Secretary General James Techi Tara.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung have defended the government’s position, clarifying that APFRA-1978 is not intended to target any religion. They stated that the government is merely complying with a directive from the Gauhati High Court to frame rules for the Act.

Also Read: Arunachal Christian Forum Stands Firm Against APFRA 1978, Vows to Proceed with Protest

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