The Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) on Monday called on the state government to promptly notify the rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, following the submission of a report by a government-appointed High-Power Committee (HPC).
IFCSAP Demands Timely Implementation
Speaking to reporters, IFCSAP president Emi Rumi described the government's consultative process as democratic and transparent. He expressed the organisation's expectation that the rules would be brought into force within a 'reasonable timeframe' to meet statutory obligations. Rumi stated that IFCSAP will closely monitor developments and, if necessary, seek legal remedies to ensure compliance with the directives of the Gauhati High Court.
Background of the Act
The APFRA, enacted in 1978 to regulate conversions carried out by force, inducement, or fraudulent means, has remained largely non-operational for decades because the rules were never notified. IFCSAP highlighted that the absence of rules has left procedures, safeguards, and enforcement mechanisms undefined, an issue it has repeatedly raised with successive governments.
HPC Mandate Clarified
IFCSAP emphasised that repealing the 1978 Act was never part of the HPC's mandate. The committee's role was limited to implementing the Act and framing its rules, and did not extend to examining the validity of the parent legislation. The organisation expressed surprise at opposing statements that surfaced toward the end of the drafting process and noted that the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had not objected to the framing of rules during proceedings before the Gauhati High Court.
Rejecting Allegations
Rejecting allegations that the proposed rules target any religious community, IFCSAP called the claims 'misleading and unsupported by law'. It stated that the rules, once notified, would be public documents intended to promote transparency and informed public discourse. The organisation added that the rules could be reviewed or amended by the government in the future to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Warning Against Pressure Tactics
Warning against pressure tactics, IFCSAP said attempts to delay or obstruct notification through public pressure at this stage would be counterproductive to the democratic consultation process. The organisation urged all stakeholders to respect the legal process and allow the rules to be notified without undue interference.
