ITANAGAR, Aug 8: The All-Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Muslim Youth Forum (AAPTMYF) asserted on Thursday that India, as a democratic country, grants every individual the constitutional right to choose and practice any religion.

This statement was issued in response to criticism and questions arising from various sectors of the tribal community within the state. A notice from the forum had circulated on social media, prompting concerns about the identity of tribals who have converted to Islam and the rationale behind forming the forum.

The notice stated, “This is to inform all tribal and non-tribal Muslims in Arunachal Pradesh that we, as Arunachal Tribal Muslim Youths, have established a new body named the AAPTMYF. Our motto is ‘Peace and Unity’ for the entire Muslim community in Arunachal Pradesh.”

AAPTMYF chairman Giah Limpeah (Sultan) addressed the criticism, emphasizing that India’s democratic principles provide individuals with the right to choose their religion. He dismissed claims that converting to Islam tarnishes the tribal community's identity.

"The forum's name clearly indicates that it is exclusively for tribal Muslims in the state. There is no basis for the assumption that the forum is led under the influence of non-tribal Muslims," Limpeah stated.

“I am a tribal of this state who chose Islam voluntarily. Many others have converted to foreign religions, yet they are not questioned. Our personal choices should also not be subject to scrutiny,” he said during a press conference at the Press Club here.

Limpeah further clarified that the forum's primary objective is to unite tribal Muslims on a common platform to promote peace and unity within the community.

He also refuted allegations suggesting that the forum was created to support Bangladeshi Muslims amid the current national situation, or to solicit donations.

“I urge the people of this state to refrain from criticizing us or questioning our faith,” he added.

AAPTMYF general secretary Dado Tatum (Abdullah) mentioned that following the circulation of the notice, in addition to criticism, some individuals have issued threats against the forum members.

Tatum asserted that the forum aims to foster peaceful coexistence within the community and that linking the group to terrorism or making threats is baseless.

He further stated that there is no reason for tribal Muslims to relinquish their Scheduled Tribe (ST) status or Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), as demanded by certain groups.

“There are others in the state following non-indigenous religions who continue to benefit from these privileges. Just because we are tribal Muslims, it doesn’t make us non-APST,” he added.