ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 9:  Strong reaction from the Christian community of the state was seen a day after the three-member Committee on Tawang Church issue submitted its report to the Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has expressed strong resentment over the report and submitted its disagreement to the Chief Minister on Thursday.
The  three-member Committee report led by Minister Mama Natung, MLA Nyato Dukom, MLA Nyamar Karbak  is going viral on social media. The report states that the ‘committee suggested ways and means to find a solution to the current impasse for ensuring peace and harmony in the state.  To devise a suitable mechanism for peaceful implementation of the arrived solution.
In its report, the committee has taken the reference of the Supreme Court and stated that, Court has directed all the States and Union Territories in the country not to allow any unauthorized construction in the name of Temple, Church, Mosque or Gurudwara etc, on public streets, public parks or other public places etc and directed all the States and Union Territories to formulate comprehensive policy regarding removal/relocation, regularization of the unauthorized religious construction on public streets, public parks or other public places etc. We recommend that the direction of the Supreme Court may be complied with in its letter and spirit in the state.'
Report also read that the committee also recommended the state government to strictly comply with the court order under The Unauthorized Religious Structures (Regularization, Removal and the relocation) Policy, 2010. 
Committee also suggested that reasonable opportunity/time preferably 6 (six) months or more as deemed fit by the State Government may be granted for relocating the structure at an appropriate location outside government land till such time status quo shall be maintained on the disputed plot of government land.
Further, the committee has also suggested withdrawing the criminal charges against the church authority. The committee stated ‘an FIR has been lodged on October 2020 by the District Administration against the Church authority is pending at Tawang Police station. Considering the religious sentiments involved in the fiasco and to maintain peace, tranquility and communal harmony in the district is suggested that the aforesaid FIR lodged by the District Administration may be withdrawn.'
The report also suggested invoking ‘The Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act 2003 and -The Unauthorized Religious Structures (Regularization, removal and relocation) Policy 2010" after the expiry of the given time frame.
When contacted, General Secretary Arunachal Christian Forum confirmed that the forum has submitted its report to the Chief Minister expressing its resentment over the Committee's report. He also disclosed that the forum will continue its statewide democratic movement proposed on 18th June next.

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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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