Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday reassured the indigenous faith believers of the State that his government would consult members of all religious groups in the State before any action is initiated on the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion (APFR) Act, 1978.
He said this while addressing the inaugural programme of the Nyishi Indigenous Art and Cultural Hall in Itanagar on Sunday.
Khandu said he had made the statement about repealing the APFR Act during an event in Banderdewa after he received representations from some religious organizations seeking its repeal.
On the hue and cry that erupted in the aftermath of his statement, Khandu said that the final decision will always be taken by the Assembly.
The Chief Minister further assured that the indigenous faith followers should not be disheartened, and assured that extensive discussions would be held with members of various religious groups, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc, and only then a decision would be taken.
Khandu also requested members of different religious organizations to respect one another.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) for taking the indigenous movement forward and keeping indigenous practices alive.
He encouraged parents to teach their children traditional values, and called on the youth to take these teachings in the right direction.