Arunachal Christian Forum plans fresh stir over Tawang church

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) will organize its final peaceful dharna on the contentious Tawang Church issue on August 19 next. In case of failure to address the matter, the forum said that the 'Tawang Jao Church Banao' movement will come into force on September 9.

Addressing mediapersons at the press club here today, ACF president Toko Teki said that a meeting was held with the district-based Church organizations of every denomination, wherein it was decided to adopt the resolution and accordingly implement it.

He said a hundred or more Christian believers will participate in the 'Tawang Jao Church Banao' movement and will be headed by Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (APCRCC) president and president of Himalayan Church as members under the guidance of central executive members of ACF.

Himalayan Church is the one for which the entire protest has been witnessed in the past few years by the forum.

Teki said that since there has been no response by the State Government for granting the order for the construction of the church in the district, the forum has no alternative but to opt for democratic movement.

"However, if there is any kind of unrest during the 'Tawang Jao Church Banao' movement, the State Government will be solely responsible. It is also a clear message to the people of Tawang and other religious groups that the forum is not against anyone but against the decision of the State Government. Therefore, ACF appeals to the people of Tawang to cooperate with the forum," he said.

Teki also believed that there is some outer force trying to create misunderstanding among the people of State, which is the reason the matter is not being resolved till date.

"There is also no response to the earlier memorandum submitted to the State Government by the forum. Nor was there any call from their side for any talks to resolve the matter. Therefore, we are undertaking the the democratic movement in the State capital," he said, adding that the forum has not yet planned to fight the matter legally in the court as they believe the matter will be resolved amicably without that step.

If necessary, the forum will also knock on the door of court, he added.

Meanwhile, ACF information & public relation secretary Taring Mama said if the State Government does not bring about a positive result to the matter following all democratic movements, it will send a clear message to the people that the Government is willing to permit the constriction of the church in Tawang.

He also appealed to the people of the Tawang district to support the cause and allow construction of the church, rather than interfering in the matter.

Also Read:  Tawang church issue: Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) rejects recommendations

Also Watch: