Christian leaders in Arunachal Pradesh have welcomed an assurance from Chief Minister Pema Khandu that all religious communities will be consulted before the state moves ahead with implementing a long-pending anti-conversion law.
The assurance was given during a meeting on 15 June between state government officials and representatives of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), which has been leading opposition to the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
Although the legislation received presidential approval shortly after it was passed nearly five decades ago, it has never been enforced because the necessary rules for its implementation were not created. Earlier this year, however, the state government established a committee to prepare those rules, raising concerns among Christian groups that the law could soon become operational.
The committee submitted its recommendations on 8 June. Once the rules are officially published in the state gazette, the law can be enforced for the first time.
Christian leaders said they were encouraged by the Chief Minister’s commitment to consult all stakeholders before any final decision is made. Tara Miri, Chief Adviser to the Arunachal Christian Forum, said the assurance had brought relief to many Christians who view the legislation as a threat to religious freedom.
According to Miri, Christian organisations in the state have opposed the law since its introduction, arguing that it could restrict freedoms protected under India's Constitution. In recent months, the forum has organised demonstrations, prayer gatherings and fasting programmes across Arunachal Pradesh in response to the government's efforts to move forward with implementation.
The opposition intensified after the rules committee completed its work. Christian groups from dozens of denominations participated in public events, including protest marches and special prayer meetings. The forum also organised demonstrations in the state capital, Itanagar, and sought to draw attention to its concerns during the State Assembly session earlier this year.
James Techi Tara, President of the Arunachal Christian Forum, said the Chief Minister had provided a written assurance regarding consultation with faith communities. As a result, the forum has suspended a planned vehicle rally that was scheduled to take place as part of its campaign against the law.
However, Christian leaders have indicated that they will continue to monitor developments closely and could resume protests if they believe the government fails to honour its commitment.
In a message shared publicly, Chief Minister Khandu said his administration remained committed to maintaining peace, harmony and development in the state. He emphasised that no religious community should feel excluded or marginalised.
The state government's recent efforts to implement the legislation followed a directive issued by the Guwahati High Court in September 2024. The court's order came after a Public Interest Litigation sought action to enforce a law that previous governments had left inactive.
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was originally introduced to protect indigenous faith traditions. The legislation prohibits religious conversions carried out through force, fraud or inducement and provides penalties that include imprisonment and financial fines for violations.
For many Christians in the state, the latest assurance from the Chief Minister offers hope that their concerns will be heard before any further action is taken regarding the law's implementation.
Adapted and rewritten from reports by UCA News and other public sources.
