ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 5:  In response to the statement of the Chief Minister Pema Khandu to repeal the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) today has urged the state government not to endorse such a move that would hurt the sentiments of the indigenous faith of the state.

Speaking to reporters at press club today, President IFCSAP Tajum Tasung said ‘We are not against any particular religion but our concern is the threat and possible extinction of our age-old indigenous faith and culture if the Act is repealed.’  

He informed that they have already submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and will meet Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the issue.

‘We cannot do anything if one has decided to follow any religion on his/her own will , but forceful conversion will never be accepted,’ asserted IFCSAP President adding that they can go to any extent to protect the indigenous faith and would be compelled to launch democratic movement.

‘The present scenario of the state is really alarming,  Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act' 1978, which was enacted to safeguard the ethnic Arunachalee tribals from marginalisation by established religions such as Hindu, Muslim and Christian etc. is at stake,’ he asserted.

When asked, about the measure that IFCSAP has been taken to protect indigenous faith,  Tasung informed that there are more than  400 indigenous  prayer halls  in the state of different beliefs and IFCSAP is going to  organize  awareness  programme about the importance of indigenous faith.

Existence of Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978 is good for every religion where no one can convert to any other religion forcefully. Their own religion whether it is Hindu, Christian, Muslim and any other they will be protected by the said Act, said General Secretary IFCSA Bai Taba.

 

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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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