ITANAGAR, Feb 19:  The All Arunachal Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU) has strongly backed the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA 1978) and urged the state government to ensure its strict and effective implementation.
The Union has also expressed deep concern over the increasing loss of indigenous tribal culture due to mass religious conversions, which they claim is leading to the gradual erosion of traditional customs and identity.
In a formal appeal to the  Governor and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, AATSU highlighted the alarming rate at which tribal communities are embracing foreign religions, significantly altering the socio-cultural landscape of the state.
The union pointed to recent instances, such as the formation of AAMPTYF within the Muslim community and viral videos of Donyi Polo practitioners participating in Janajaateey Mahakumbh, as clear indications of external religious influences reshaping tribal beliefs.
The student body also raised serious objections against the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), accusing it of modifying tribal spiritual practices under the pretense of modernization. AATSU alleged that traditional places of worship, such as Nyder Namlo, have seen improper alterations, including the introduction of statues, images, and foreign religious customs. According to the union, these changes dilute the authenticity of tribal faiths and create confusion among indigenous believers. They argued that such distortions have contributed to increasing religious conversions, as many feel disconnected from their true spiritual heritage.
Furthermore, AATSU has insisted that the government take proactive steps to preserve and promote tribal customs, including through education, awareness campaigns, and legal protections. The student body has also demanded that AATSU be recognized as a key stakeholder in discussions regarding the implementation of APFRA 1978, ensuring that indigenous voices are adequately represented in policymaking.
In response to unauthorized modifications of tribal spiritual practices, AATSU has issued a strong condemnation against IFCSAP’s influence on indigenous traditions. The union has demanded the immediate removal of all foreign religious symbols from places of worship, a return to traditional prayer methods, and greater efforts to preserve oral traditions and ritual practices.
To address these pressing concerns, AATSU has demanded strong enforcement of APFRA 1978, particularly with transparent guidelines . The union has called for legislative , judicial review of new rules, and the establishment of an independent monitoring committee to prevent misuse of the law. Additionally, AATSU has urged the government to protect indigenous faith practitioners, ensuring that those returning to their traditional beliefs are not penalized under the act.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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