ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR/BORUM, Mar 6: Thousands of people particularly Christian believers from various districts gathered at Borum Ground on Thursday to protest against the proposed draft rules of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
Led by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), the demonstrators demanded the complete repeal of the Act, claiming it infringes on the fundamental right to freedom of religion and against the Christian Community.
Addressing the media, ACF President Tarh Miri stated, “We firmly believe that this Act is anti-Christian and goes against the constitutional right to religious freedom. We have been consistently demanding its complete repeal.”
Miri further informed that despite the district administration’s denial of permission for the protest in designated area, believers from various denominations and districts participated in the demonstration here at Borum. He announced that in the next phase, ACF would organise a mass referendum rally in the state capital.
Echoing similar concerns, ACF Secretary General James Techi Tara argued that APFRA 1978 lacks provisions to safeguard the rights, culture, and traditions of indigenous communities. “Instead of protecting the interests of the local population, this Act is being used as a tool to curtail religious freedom and secularism.”
Former Minister James Lowangcha Wanglet also criticised the Act, calling it unnecessary and a potential threat to the state’s peaceful environment. He warned that internal conflicts arising from such legislation could create opportunities for country like China to interfere in Arunachal Pradesh, a state it has repeatedly claimed as its territory.
Social activist Sol Dodum expressed disappointment over the government's move to enforce an Act that had remained dormant for decades, alleging that the decision was influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

---

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

<< Back to News List