Itanagar: Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao on Thursday sought to allay concerns over the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, asserting that the legislation is neither anti-Christian nor aimed at any particular religious community.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters here, Gao said there was confusion among sections of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) regarding the drafting of the rules under APFRA and maintained that the law merely provides legal recognition of religious identity.
"APFRA is not against any religion. Nowhere in the Act does it mention protection only for indigenous communities, nor does it target Christians," he said.
The BJP MP said the law was general in nature and similar legislation had already been implemented in 14 states across the country. Arunachal Pradesh would become the 15th state to enforce such a law if the rules are notified, he added.
Questioning the basis of religious identification in the absence of legal recognition, Gao said the proposed framework would enable individuals to be officially recognised according to the faith they profess. "At present, a person may say he or she is Christian or Buddhist, but legally they are not recognised as such unless they certify themselves through the magistrate," he said.
Appealing to religious organisations and the public not to misunderstand the intent of the legislation, Gao said APFRA does not discriminate against any community, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, or followers of indigenous faiths.
"This is an authentication of religions followed by different communities in the state. APFRA is for all and not against any particular religion," he added.
The remarks come amid growing opposition from the ACF over the framing of rules under the Act. A high-powered committee, headed by retired justice BP Katakey, submitted the draft rules to the state govt on June 8, nearly 48 years after the legislation was enacted.
The Act, passed in 1978, prohibits religious conversion through force, fraud, or inducement, but remained unimplemented due to the absence of operational rules.
Meanwhile, the ACF has announced a statewide protest on June 18, including a mass vehicle rally in Itanagar, against the drafting of the rules.
The rally has also received the backing of the United Christian Forum, which, in a statement, said the draft rules could affect freedom of religion and personal autonomy.
