Itanagar,: The ongoing dispute between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Christian community over the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) remains unresolved, despite the state administration’s efforts to ease tensions.
A consultative meeting held at the civil secretariat on Friday, attended by Home Minister Mama Natung, Law Minister Kento Jini, and other key officials, along with 15 members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), ended without any conclusive resolution. The discussions failed to bridge the gap between both parties, as the ACF remains firm on its demand for the complete repeal of APFRA.
Christian Community’s Stand
The ACF has been staging a hunger strike, asserting that the law unfairly targets Christians. They argue that despite government assurances, the Act discriminates against their religious rights. ACF general secretary James Techi Tara questioned the government’s stance, stating, “Where is the protection for Christians in this Act? While the CM acknowledges that Christians are also indigenous, the Act suggests otherwise.”
Government’s Response
On the other hand, the state government has attempted to clarify its position, insisting that the APFRA is not designed to suppress any religion but to protect the traditional faiths of indigenous communities. Home Minister Mama Natung reiterated that there is no provision in the Act that specifically targets any religious group.
He urged ACF leaders to offer suggestions for possible amendments instead of calling for the Act’s repeal. “Our doors for discussion are always open. We want to ensure that no religious group feels deprived or targeted,” said Natung.
Future Course of Action
Despite the government’s appeal, the ACF remains resolute in its demand for scrapping the Act, refusing to engage in further discussions regarding amendments. Their rigid stance has prolonged the deadlock over the APFRA, making the path to resolution uncertain.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in his Statehood Day address, reaffirmed that the APFRA is not aimed at any religion and urged people not to misinterpret its provisions. However, with both sides holding their ground, the controversy surrounding the APFRA continues to escalate.
