ITANAGAR, Oct 18: Hundreds of members of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) marched through the state capital on Saturday in a powerful show of solidarity, urging the government to finally operationalise the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA), by framing the long-pending rules.
The peaceful “Chalo Itanagar” rally — which began at the RK Mission Hospital helipad and culminated at Nyokum Lapang ground — drew participants from across districts who carried placards, banners and chanted slogans calling for urgent action to protect tribal belief systems. Organisers said the turnout reflected mounting concern over what they described as an accelerating threat to indigenous faiths from external religious influences.
“The Act is about preservation not prohibition,” said President  IFCSAP Dr. Emi Rumi, reiterating that the movement is not directed against any particular religion but seeks legal and institutional safeguards for centuries-old cultural practices. He further appealed to the state government to expedite framing of the necessary rules so APFRA can be implemented effectively.
Enacted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 and given the Governor’s assent the same year, APFRA was designed to curb forcible or fraudulent conversions and to preserve traditional tribal faiths. Despite being on the statute book for more than four decades, the Act has never been put into force because the rules required to operationalise it were never framed.Now the Order from Court to frame rules has been extended till November, so hope it will done, added Dr. Emi Rumi.
He also argued that, in the wake of rapid social change and rising outside influences, a clear legal framework is essential to protect the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage. 
“As guardians of our traditions, we ask the government to adopt rules that protect indigenous religious practices while ensuring rights are respected,” Rumi  added.

---

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