Christian Forum's Meeting with Arunachal Home Minister Over Religious Freedom Act Remains Unresolved

Itanagar- The first meeting between the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) and state Home Minister Mama Natung regarding the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) ended without resolution on Friday.

ACF President Tarh Miri told IANS that Minister Natung explained the government must frame rules to implement the 1978 law following a Gauhati High Court order, but committed to continuing discussions with the Christian organization.

"The Home Minister said that the government, following the Gauhati High Court order, has to frame the rules to implement the APFRA, 1978. However, he said that the state government would continue to discuss the issue with ACF," Miri stated.

The ACF plans to proceed with a previously announced peaceful demonstration outside the state Assembly on March 6, demanding the law's repeal. The organization recently conducted an eight-hour hunger strike in Naharlagun on February 17 to protest the implementation of APFRA.

The Christian forum has expressed concerns that implementing the 1978 law would restrict religious freedoms for Christians, who constitute 30.26 percent (4.19 lakh) of Arunachal's population according to the 2011 census.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged citizens not to "misinterpret" the law. During Thursday's Statehood Day celebrations, Khandu emphasized that the legislation, passed under the state's first chief minister P.K. Thungon in 1978, aims to preserve cultural heritage rather than restrict religion.

"Since 1978, the Act has remained in a two-page document only. Rules weren't framed. However, when an individual took it to the Gauhati High Court, the Court ordered the state government to frame the rules within six months," Khandu explained.

The Chief Minister expressed concern about misinformation spreading through social and mainstream media, calling it detrimental to communal harmony. He assured residents that the government remains open to consultation to address concerns about the legislation.