‘APFRA Aims to Protect Indigenous Culture, Not to Target Any Religion’ says Pema Khandu

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has clarified that the newly framed rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) 1978 are not intended to target any religious community but to safeguard the indigenous culture and beliefs of the people, regardless of religion.

Speaking at the Statehood Day celebrations on Thursday, Khandu emphasised that the formulation of these rules was in response to a directive from the High Court. He explained that while the Act has been in place for 46 years, it lacked a formal set of rules, which is now being addressed.

“The intention behind the new rules is not to target any specific religious group, be it Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, or Muslims, but rather to offer greater support to the indigenous people of the state,” Khandu pointed out.

The Act, initially enacted during the tenure of former Chief Minister P K Thungon, aims to curb forced religious conversions through inducement or fraudulent means. Violations of the Act carry penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

Khandu assured that the government would conduct discussions with officials, stakeholders, and religious leaders to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach.

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