Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Itanagar: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding an immediate halt to the process of framing rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978. In a formal memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the group warned that failing to address their concerns within this window could trigger mass rallies and a statewide bandh.
The legislation, which prohibits religious conversion through force, fraud, or inducement, has been on the books for 46 years without formal implementation rules. The current government move to establish these rules has sparked significant pushback from the Christian community, which fears the potential impact on fundamental rights, religious freedom, and social harmony.
ACF leaders, including president James Techi Tara and secretary general Yomrik Lombi, criticized the High-Powered Committee for working in undue haste. The forum argued that the government is pushing forward without meaningful dialogue or consultation with affected religious bodies and civil society organizations.
The memorandum outlines three primary demands: the suspension of all rule-making activities, a guarantee that no such rules will be enforced, and a public declaration to stop the process while initiating discussions on the potential repeal of the 1978 Act. The organization stated that these steps are necessary to prevent unnecessary unrest and preserve the state's peaceful coexistence.
Copies of the ultimatum have been sent to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and the Chief Secretary, as the community awaits a formal government response to its demands.
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