Indian Christians unite to oppose Freedom of Religion Act

Thousands of Christians, led by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), staged a massive protest on March 7 in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, citing concerns over religious freedom.

The protesters argue that the Act poses a serious threat to their religious freedom. 

Despite their initial plan to protest outside the state secretariat, the Itanagar Capital Region administration denied permission, forcing the demonstration to take place at Borum near Itanagar. 

ACF leaders stated that their movement is not about discussing the repeal of the rules but about challenging the Act itself. 

During the inaugural session of the 4th sitting of the 8th Legislative Assembly, a proposal by Yachuli MLA Toko Tatungto to revisit the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) was rejected. 

According to sources, fears of unrest led to the resolution's denial, drawing comparisons to the 2019 anti-PRC riots.

ACF Secretary-General James Techi Tara reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to opposing the Act and said they would take time to plan their next phase of protests while observing the government’s response. 

ACF president Tarh Miri highlighted that over 200 thousand Christians from various denominations participated in the protest, reflecting widespread concern over the Act’s implications.

On March 3, the OSD for the Home Minister, Mama Natung, invited stakeholders, including the ACF, for discussions on the draft rules of the APFRA.

However, the ACF maintained that its focus was on challenging the Act rather than negotiating its rules. They insisted that any proposal for amending the Act be put forward in writing.

The ACF has vowed to continue its democratic movement, calling on the government to reconsider the law, which they claim undermines religious freedom in Arunachal Pradesh.