Catholic representatives in India have urged government authorities to defend religious freedom in the country’s northeastern states, warning of rising social tensions and legal pressures affecting Christian communities.
The All India Catholic Union (AICU), a national Catholic lay organisation founded more than a century ago, has appealed to state and federal leaders to uphold constitutional safeguards for minority groups.
Particular concern has centred on efforts to bring into force the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 1978. The law bans religious conversions carried out through force, fraud or inducement. Although it has remained largely inactive for decades because detailed rules were never introduced, recent moves to implement it have caused anxiety among Christian leaders. They fear that unclear wording could create confusion and possibly affect normal church activities, including baptisms.
Following a working committee meeting in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, the AICU issued a statement warning that vague provisions in the law may lead to legal uncertainty for churches. Christians account for roughly 30 per cent of the state’s population of about 1.6 million people. While no recent outbreaks of sectarian violence have been reported there, Church leaders have expressed concern that tensions could increase if the law is enforced without clear safeguards.
AICU spokesperson John Dayal said Christian communities in several northeastern states are experiencing growing pressure through legislation, social exclusion and isolated incidents of violence. He called on authorities to actively promote harmony and protect the right to freedom of belief.
The Catholic body also drew attention to continuing ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023. The unrest has largely involved clashes between predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo groups and members of the largely Hindu Meitei community. According to figures cited by Church sources, more than 250 people have died, around 60,000 have been displaced and over 400 churches have been damaged or destroyed since the conflict began.
Church leaders in Imphal report that Christian institutions have been significantly affected. International observers, including representatives linked to the United Nations, have called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities. The AICU has urged federal authorities to intensify mediation efforts, rebuild damaged buildings and provide humanitarian support in order to prevent further instability.
In Meghalaya, where Christians form a large majority among the mainly tribal population, the AICU reported that some groups are campaigning to remove Christian converts from the federal list of Scheduled Tribes. Such a step could affect access to reserved educational places, public sector employment and political representation.
Similar calls have reportedly been raised in Assam. The AICU also voiced concern that Assam’s 2024 Healing Practices Act may, in some cases, be used to restrict prayer meetings. In December 2025, a Christmas crib and decorations at a Catholic school in Assam were reportedly vandalised, adding to unease among local Christians.
AICU national president Elias Vaz has called on state administrations to guarantee the safety of religious minorities and to respect constitutional protections for freedom of belief. The organisation confirmed that it has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a review of the Arunachal law and encouraging dialogue to avoid further unrest.
The northeast, which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, is home to a diverse mix of ethnic and religious communities. Christians form a majority in several of these states and operate extensive networks of schools, healthcare centres and social services.
Catholic leaders continue to call for peaceful dialogue, lawful governance and equal protection for all faith communities across the region.
This is a rewritten version of the original article from UCA News.
