Party seeks wider consultations before implementing the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, saying the issue requires consensus and careful deliberation
Itanagar: The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has voiced strong reservations over the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, with party president and Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek urging the state government to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly to deliberate on the issue.
Addressing reporters in Doimukh on June 13, Vivek said the matter carries significant social and cultural implications and therefore warrants detailed discussion before any decision is taken. “Such an important issue must be debated thoroughly and in consultation with all stakeholders before moving forward,” he said.
The PPA leader stressed that any decision on APFRA should reflect the aspirations, sentiments and interests of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He argued that a broader consensus is essential to ensure that the state’s social fabric and communal harmony remain intact.
The party, which is a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), also cautioned that implementing the legislation without extensive consultation could create divisions within communities and affect the long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence in the state.
Enacted in 1978, APFRA was designed to prohibit religious conversions through force, fraud or inducement. However, renewed discussions around its enforcement have triggered debate across Arunachal Pradesh.
The PPA maintained that any move concerning the Act should emerge from an inclusive and transparent process involving community leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders. “A consensus-driven approach is necessary to protect both democratic values and the interests of all communities,” the party stated.
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