By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Arunachal Pradesh government, demanding suspension of the process to frame and notify rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the forum warned that failure to address its concerns could lead to statewide democratic protests, including rallies and bandh calls.
The ACF expressed strong opposition to the government’s ongoing efforts to operationalise the decades-old legislation through formulation of rules.
The organisation said implementation of the Act could have implications for constitutional rights, religious freedom, social harmony and inter-community relations in the state.
According to the memorandum, the recent actions of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted to examine issues related to APFRA-1978 were being carried out in undue haste, creating apprehension among sections of the population.
The forum alleged that despite repeated appeals from religious bodies, civil society groups and citizens, the government appeared determined to proceed without adequate stakeholder consultation.
It maintained that any move affecting religious freedom and communal relations should be preceded by broad-based discussions involving all concerned groups.
The ACF further warned that notification and implementation of the rules without consensus could trigger tension and unrest in the state.
In its memorandum, the organisation demanded immediate suspension of the rule-framing process under APFRA-1978 and sought an assurance that no rules would be notified, implemented or enforced.
It also called on the government to publicly halt the process and initiate comprehensive consultations with stakeholders regarding repeal of the Act.
The forum has sought a formal response from the government within 15 days.
It warned that failure to respond could compel the organisation to launch democratic protest programmes, including rallies across the state and a statewide bandh.
The memorandum was signed by ACF president James Techi Tara, secretary general Yomrik Lombi and senior vice-president Nabam Niba Hina.
Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Secretary and media organisations.
The APFRA was enacted in 1978 to prohibit religious conversions through force, inducement or fraudulent means. However, the law remained largely inactive for decades due to the absence of notified rules.
Recent efforts by the state government to frame and notify the rules have reignited debate over the legislation, drawing both support and opposition from different sections of society.