Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: During a workshop on Ambedkar’s legacy, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung addressed concerns surrounding the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. He clarified that the Act is not aimed at targeting any specific religion but is intended to preserve the state’s indigenous culture while respecting individual religious choices.
Natung emphasized the secular nature of the legislation, stating that it does not favor or oppose any faith, despite ongoing protests from the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF). The minister highlighted the Act’s alignment with constitutional values, noting its passage in 1978 under Chief Minister P.K. Thungon to prevent forced conversions through inducement or fraud.
The workshop, attended by notable figures including Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte and MLA Tana Hali Tara, also served as a platform to discuss broader cultural preservation efforts. Natung urged the public to view the APFRA as a protective measure for Arunachal’s tribal heritage, not as a tool for religious discrimination.
