In a bold move against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), a prominent Christian organization in the state, organized a mass hunger strike on Monday. This protest, which took place across several district and sub-divisional headquarters, calls for the immediate repeal of the law, which the forum has labeled as “discriminatory” and “unconstitutional.” The ACF argues that the law unfairly targets the Christian community, which makes up approximately 30.26% of Arunachal Pradesh’s population, according to the 2011 Census.
The protest follows the Arunachal Pradesh state government’s decision to implement the Act after it had been inactive for decades. The law was originally introduced with the aim of preventing forced religious conversions through coercion or inducement. It includes severe penalties, such as imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of ₹10,000 for violations. Despite its existence since 1978, the law lacked the necessary regulatory framework for enforcement until a September 2024 directive from the Gauhati High Court. This directive instructed the state government to establish the framework within six months, prompting the government to take steps toward implementation.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has defended the government’s decision, emphasizing that the law complies with the court’s directive and is intended to protect the indigenous faiths of Arunachal Pradesh. He stated that the law does not target any specific religious group, as is alleged by the ACF. The state government has invited ACF representatives to a meeting scheduled for February 21 to discuss the issue further.
However, the ACF remains firm in its opposition to the law and has vowed to continue its hunger strike, demanding its complete repeal. The organization has also announced additional protests, including a march to the state assembly on March 6, coinciding with the legislative session when the Act is expected to be discussed.
“We don’t believe the issue will be resolved through talks. Our demand is clear: the repeal of the Act,” stated James Techi Tara, Secretary-General of the ACF.
The controversy surrounding the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act has sparked widespread debate across the state, with Christian leaders arguing that it disproportionately impacts their community, while others defend the law as a necessary measure to protect indigenous religious practices. With the ACF’s continued protests and a legislative discussion on the horizon, this issue is likely to remain a central topic in the state’s political landscape.
As tensions mount, both the state government and the Christian community are preparing for a series of demonstrations and talks in the coming weeks, indicating that the debate over this law is far from over. The outcome of the discussions and the future of the Act will have significant implications for religious freedom and community relations in Arunachal Pradesh.
