Arunachal Pradesh to Implement Freedom of Religion Act: Chief Minister Pema Khandu

ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, will soon be brought into effect with the framing of necessary rules. The Act, which has remained inactive since its passage, prohibits forced or fraudulent religious conversions.

During the silver jubilee celebration of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at IG Park, Khandu acknowledged the legacy of the late PK Thungon, the first Chief Minister of the state, under whose government the Act was enacted in 1978. The legislation was introduced with the objective of protecting the indigenous faiths of the region from forced conversions.

Khandu emphasized that one should preserve the unique cultures of the indigenous people of Arunachal. He said faith and culture cannot be separated because they are interlinked. Further, he said that this modernization has not even affected the preservation of this unique cultural identity of Arunachal Pradesh.

In light of a recent directive from the Gauhati High Court, which required the state government to implement the Act, the process for framing the rules is already underway. The government’s efforts include collaboration with organizations like IFCSAP to protect and promote indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.

Additionally, Khandu revealed that the state government had established the Department of Indigenous Affairs in 2017 and initiated the process of renaming it in response to repeated requests from indigenous groups.

Also Read: Assam Government Announces Revised Holiday List for 2025

Also Watch: