Itanagar, Mar 3: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) on Monday claimed that the High Court notice regarding the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA) does not mandate its implementation.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, ACF general secretary James Techi Tara said the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by T Tamin pertains to a dismissed case and only urges the state government to examine the law further to address concerns of all religious communities, rather than enforcing it.
Criticizing Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s statements advocating the Act’s implementation, Tara termed them "misleading" and reiterated the ACF’s stance that the APFRA is “draconian,” outdated, and divisive.
He said the law, framed decades ago, does not reflect the present realities of the state and has several loopholes.
“The Act segregates communities and needs amendments, not complete repeal. We have provided constructive inputs, but the government has been reluctant to engage on this matter,” he said.
The ACF announced a democratic protest on March 6 at the Tennis Court, IG Park, after the Itanagar district administration denied permission for demonstrations during the budget session. Tara warned of a second phase of agitation if their concerns remain unaddressed.
Clarifying the forum’s position, he said the ACF is not against any religious group, including the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), but solely opposing the state government’s stance.
However, he condemned certain remarks made during the IFCSAP rally at Rono Ground, Doimukh, calling them “inappropriate” and “targeted at Christian believers.”
“Our demand is directed at the state government. While it is up to them to address our concerns, we have the right to protest. The verbal attacks against the ACF during the rally were unjust and uncalled for,” he said.