ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a series of statewide protests from February 10 against the state government’s decision to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 in the state. To protest, the ACF will hold a week-long fasting and prayer event across the state starting on February 10.
The ACF also announced that if the government does not respond to their demand, the ACF has also announced plans for a gherao of the state assembly on March 6 during the assembly session. Additionally, on February 17, a hunger strike will be organized in the Itanagar capital region, with Christian believers from various denominations taking part. The ACF is also reportedly in contact with elected representatives to ensure that their concerns are addressed in the assembly.
This follows remarks made by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in December 2024, during a program, where he announced that the APFRA, which had not been used for years, would soon have rules created and be put into action in the state.
In September 2024, two judges of the Gauhati High Court (Itanagar bench) ordered the state government to finalize the draft rules of the Act within six months, closing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Tambo Tamin.
ACF president Tarh Miri spoke to the media at the Arunachal Press Club, accusing the state government of responding indifferently to their concerns about the APFRA. He mentioned that in November 2024, the ACF had met with the chief secretary and submitted a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu outlining their objections.
The CM directed them to meet with his advisor, Alo Libang, who acknowledged their concerns and submitted a report to the CM. However, Miri stated that they had yet to receive a response. He also criticized the push to implement the APFRA as contradictory to the principles of secularism.
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