In a move aimed at addressing community concerns, Arunachal Pradesh’s Home Minister, Mama Natung, has extended an invitation to Tarh Miri, the president of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), for a discussion on the contentious Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. This invitation comes in the wake of a series of protests by the ACF against the government’s decision to enforce this long-dormant legislation.
The ACF had previously organized a hunger strike scheduled for February 17 to protest the implementation of the Act. Despite this planned demonstration, the Home Minister’s call for a dialogue signals an attempt to resolve the issue through negotiation rather than confrontation.
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was initially passed in 1978 to prohibit religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means. Although the law received presidential assent, it was largely overlooked by successive governments until recent directives from the Gauhati High Court pushed for its enforcement.
The Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh, which constitutes a significant portion of the state’s population, has expressed fears that the Act could infringe upon their religious freedoms. The protests have highlighted concerns about potential discrimination and the suppression of religious rights.
This invitation for dialogue is seen by many as a step towards understanding and possibly amending or repealing the Act to align with contemporary values of religious freedom and secularism. However, the effectiveness of this dialogue will depend on both parties’ willingness to engage constructively on this sensitive issue.
The date set for the discussion is February 21, and all eyes will be on how this conversation unfolds, potentially shaping the religious landscape of Arunachal Pradesh.
