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

ACF President said that the forum remains firm in its stance and will not waver from its resolution to push for the abolition of APFRA-1978.

The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its strong opposition to the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and declared that it will go ahead with its planned protest on March 6.

In an urgent meeting held at its headquarters in Naharlagun on Thursday, ACF leaders, along with representatives from various Christian denominations, reiterated their demand for the complete repeal of the contentious Act. ACF President Tarh Miri said that the forum remains firm in its stance and will not waver from its resolution to push for the abolition of APFRA-1978.

“We are clear in our demand this Act must be scrapped entirely. It infringes upon religious freedom and the fundamental rights of our community. We are open to discussions with the government, but our stand remains unchanged,” Miri stated while addressing the media.

The reaffirmation of their stance comes just a week after ACF leaders met Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung and Minister of Social Justice Kento Jini. During the meeting, Home Minister Natung expressed his willingness to engage in further discussions, but the Christian Forum remained resolute in its opposition to the Act.

Despite the district administration denying permission for the planned protest, ACF Secretary General James Techi Tara stated that the forum is undeterred. “If the state government wants to use force, we are prepared to face any consequences. However, our demand remains the same APFRA-1978 must be scrapped,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) and its district units have been organizing ‘Sadbhavna Pad Yatra’ across various districts, rallying support for the framing of rules for APFRA-1978 as per the directive of the Guwahati High Court. The IFCSAP has called for the protection of indigenous faith, cultural heritage, and the preservation of traditional religious practices.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung, who also heads the Indigenous Affairs Department, clarified that APFRA-1978 does not intend to harm any religion. They stated that the government is merely complying with the Guwahati High Court’s order to frame rules for the Act.

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