Massive Christian Protests Erupt In Arunachal Pradesh Against Anti-Conversion Act As Guwahati Court's Deadline For Framing Rules Nears

Thousands of Christians in Arunachal Pradesh staged a massive demonstration on Thursday (6 March), opposing the impending implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, which they believe threatens their religious freedom, as reported by The Hindu.

Mobilised by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), over two lakh believers from various denominations gathered at a ground in Borum, near the state capital Itanagar, after authorities denied them permission to protest outside the State Assembly and other prominent venues.

ACF President Tarh Miri strongly criticised the law, stating that it unfairly targets Christians. “We are against the implementation of the APFRA because it is targeted at Christians and will curtail our freedom of religion,” he said, as quoted by The Hindu.

The protest follows heightened concerns within the Christian community after the Itanagar Bench of the Guwahati High Court ordered the state government in September 2024 to frame rules for implementing the law within six months. 

Amid growing resistance, Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged people not to misinterpret the law, explaining that the government is merely following court directives. "The department concerned and the State government are abiding by the court’s directives and the initial draft is being prepared," he said.

The ACF has been leading a series of demonstrations against the law. On 17 February, the group organised an eight-hour hunger strike. Four days later, its leaders met the state Home Minister Mama Natung, but the discussions remained inconclusive.

“The Home Minister said the court’s order made it necessary for the government to frame the rules to implement the APFRA. He, however, said the State government would discuss the issues related to the law with the ACF,” Miri stated.