India: Christians protest Arunachal Pradesh government's move to enforece anti-conversion law

Tensions in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, intensified on February 17, 2025, as the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) organized an eight-hour hunger strike protesting the move to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.

The protest was held in Itanagar, attracting thousands of participants, including several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Despite the passage of the APFRA law in 1978, it never saw implementation.

Protesters displayed posters with messages such as “We demand the repeal of APFRA,” “Do not turn us against one another,” and “There is no honor in enforcing APFRA,” expressing strong discontent over the government's stance.

ACF President Tarh Miri led the protest, voicing concerns that the APFRA violated citizens' fundamental rights to freedom of faith and belief.

“We oppose this Act. Eleven states enforce anti-conversion laws, and Miri specifically targeted Christianity in her condemnation of the Act as discriminatory.

ACF Secretary-General James Techi Tara further emphasized that the enforcement of APFRA would sow division and create distrust among the people.

“Changing one’s faith is a personal choice. The Indian Constitution restricts forced conversions," Tara asserted. "We have never seen a complaint lodged against forced conversion. We demand nothing less than the repeal of this Act."

The Arunachal Pradesh government defended the move, stating that the Act would be enforced in compliance with a directive issued by the Gauhati High Court.

The court had instructed the state to finalize the draft rules for the Act within six months, starting September 2024.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu sought to reassure the public, explaining that the rules being framed under the High Court's guidance were intended to protect indigenous faiths and were not meant to target any specific religion.

“The rules are being framed in deference to the High Court’s order to provide more protection to Indigenous faiths,” Khandu explained, adding that he would involve the state’s Indigenous affairs minister and home minister to deliberate with all stakeholders on the matter.

Despite the government’s explanation, the ACF criticized Khandu’s position, accusing him of double standards.

Miri pointed out that in 2018, the Chief Minister had pledged to repeal the APFRA, yet in 2024, he was supporting its implementation.

“We don’t entertain his statement. In 2018, he announced that he would repeal this draconian law. However, he now asserts that it will remain in force. This is his double standard,” Miri remarked.

The ongoing protests have sparked a broader debate in Arunachal Pradesh about religious freedom, indigenous rights, and the government's role in regulating religious conversions.

"We expect the controversy surrounding the APFRA to remain a significant issue in the state's political landscape as the standoff continues," said Miri.