Arunachal Christian Forum Plans Hunger Strike Against Revival of Religious Conversion Law

Itanagar-Arunachal Pradesh: Members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) will stage an eight-hour hunger strike on Monday in protest against the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. The hunger strike will be held at the Nyishi Indigenous Identity Society Nyokum ground in Borum village from morning until 5 p.m. on Monday. Some legislators belonging to the Christian community are expected to participate in the hunger strike.

ACF leader Tarh Miri confirmed the protest with several Christian legislators expected to join the demonstration. The protest comes in response to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's recent decision to implement the decades-old legislation, which has remained inactive since its inception.

The state government's action follows instructions from the Gauhati High Court's Itanagar bench, which directed authorities to complete the draft rules by March 2025. While Chief Minister Khandu has offered dialogue and assured that the rules won't discriminate against any religious group, the ACF remains unconvinced.

The forum has outlined additional protest measures, including a planned demonstration at the state Assembly on March 6, when lawmakers are expected to discuss the law. Miri expressed concern that despite its name suggesting religious freedom, the law could restrict religious practices.

According to Miri, previous attempts to address these concerns, including discussions with the Chief Secretary and correspondence with the Chief Minister's office, have yielded little response. The ACF views the implementation of this law as contradicting secular principles.

The legislation, originally passed under Chief Minister P.K. Thungon's Janata Party government and receiving presidential approval in October 1978, prohibits religious conversions through coercion, enticement, or deception. It was initially created to protect indigenous faiths, though subsequent administrations chose not to enforce it.

The current push to implement the law represents a significant shift in policy, raising questions about religious freedom and cultural preservation in the northeastern state.