Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has recently announced the state’s plan to soon implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, a move aimed at preserving the region’s indigenous faith and culture.
The announcement was made during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar on Friday.
The Act, enacted 46 years ago under the leadership of the state’s first chief minister, P.K. Thungon, was intended to curb forced or fraudulent religious conversions. It imposes penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to ₹10,000 for violators. However, the Act has remained dormant for decades, as it lacked the necessary rules for enforcement.
The reactivation of the Act follows a directive from the Gauhati High Court, which, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Tambo Tamim of Naharlagun, instructed the Arunachal Pradesh government to finalize the enforcement rules within six months. In compliance with this order, the state government has begun drafting the necessary regulations.
During the celebrations, Chief Minister Khandu expressed his confidence that the enforcement of the Act would significantly contribute to preserving Arunachal’s cultural and religious heritage. “We will soon have a properly structured Freedom of Religion Act in place, and this will play a major role in safeguarding our indigenous faith and culture,” he said.
Khandu emphasized the close connection between faith and culture, describing them as “two sides of the same coin” that must progress together. He highlighted the importance of protecting the state’s unique traditions, pointing out that many indigenous cultures around the world are disappearing.
The Arunachal Pradesh government has been proactive in preserving its cultural heritage. In 2017, it established the Department of Indigenous Affairs to support the preservation and promotion of local cultures, languages, and institutions. This department collaborates with IFCSAP and various community-based organizations (CBOs) to achieve its goals.
Khandu also praised the efforts of IFCSAP and local volunteers for their commitment to cultural preservation. He acknowledged their crucial role in safeguarding the rich traditions of Arunachal Pradesh.
Furthermore, Khandu emphasized that preserving the state’s indigenous faith and culture is a collective responsibility. While the government provides institutional support, he called upon the state’s 26 major tribes to take an active role in the preservation efforts.
“Protecting our indigenous culture and faith is not just the government’s duty; it’s a shared responsibility that requires the participation of all communities,” he asserted.
