Itanagar: Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao has defended the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978, asserting that the legislation is neutral toward all faiths. As the state moves to finalize rules for the Act, Gao addressed concerns from the Christian community by emphasizing that the law is designed to protect religious identities rather than target any specific group.
Gao confirmed that a high-power committee tasked with drafting the rules has finished its recommendations. He clarified that the draft contains no provisions that would distinguish between indigenous and non-indigenous communities during implementation. He told reporters, "The APFRA is not against any religion nor does it favour any religion. The purpose of the Act is to protect identity and provide a legal framework regarding the religion a person follows and preaches."
The BJP representative urged the Arunachal Christian Forum to cancel planned protests against the Act. He argued that the legislation serves primarily as a tool for formalizing religious affiliations and documenting faith. Gao reiterated that the BJP remains committed to its inclusive governance model and requested that the public avoid viewing the law through a political or religious lens.
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