Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) demands resolution of Tawang church issue

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has appealed to the State Government to immediately resolve the contentious Tawang Church issue within 15 days, failing which the forum threatened to stage a series of democratic movement in the State.

Addressing mediapersons at the press club here today, ACF president Toko Teki said that it has been more than a year and the three-member committee constituted is yet to solve the matter in the year 2022.

He said that despite repeated assurance to resolve the matter, the committee is yet to come out with a positive solution. Therefore, the forum in a meeting has decided to serve a 15 days' ultimatum. If the Government fails to address the matter, there will be Statewide protests organized in the respective districts.

"We are hopeful that our voice will be heard by the Government. On this matter, the forum has also submitted a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu as well as chairman of the committee, Minister Mama Natung," he said.

ACF secretary Tarh Miri said that the matter is of the year 2020 and should have been resolved much earlier. The State Government should provide a written assurance to resolve the matter within the stipulated time and also bring it to the public domain so that the Christian believers can start the construction work of church in Tawang, which was previously stopped due to public protest and an administrative order.

"I believe that we will receive positive response from the present Government in the matter so that church construction work can be started. Even if there is negative response, the State Government should intimate the forum," he added.

Meanwhile, ACF vice-president Norbu Sonam said that the Christian community of the State believes in a democratic set up without differentiating between any individual or political party on the basis of religion. However, they are now sensing step-motherly response in the matter, he added.

The forum had submitted a memorandum claiming that the church was established in 1999 and a request for allotment of land was submitted in 2003 to the State Government.

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