Guwahati, Feb 20: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh not to misinterpret the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, for which the state government is currently framing rules as per the directive of the Gauhati High Court.
Speaking at the 39th Statehood Day celebration at I G Park in Itanagar, Khandu clarified that the Ac passed in the Assembly in 1978 under the first Chief Minister P K Thungon when Arunachal was a Union Territory, is not intended to target any religion but rather to protect the state’s rich cultural heritage.
“Since 1978, the Act remained just a two-page document without rules. However, when an individual challenged this in court, the Gauhati High Court directed the state government to frame the rules within six months. The concerned department and the state government are complying with the court’s order, and the initial draft is being prepared,” he stated.
Reassuring the public, Khandu emphasized that the Act was meant for the welfare of all and regretted that certain groups were misinterpreting it for political and religious reasons.
“Some people are distorting facts on social media and mainstream media, which is harmful to peace and communal harmony in the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government remains open to discussions and consultations to address any concerns. Home Minister Mama Natung is scheduled to hold consultative meetings with all stakeholders starting February 21.
“The Arunachal Christian Forum will meet the Home Minister tomorrow, and other stakeholders will also have the opportunity to express their views, clarify doubts, and share recommendations with the government,” Khandu informed.
He assured me that the rules are still in the drafting phase and will be finalized only after incorporating the feedback of all stakeholders.
“At this stage, I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions or fuel misinterpretations. Whether we are Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, or Indigenous Faith believers, we all come from a tribal background with deep-rooted cultural traditions. This Act is not meant to favour or target any religion but to safeguard our rich indigenous heritage, passed down by our ancestors,” he added.
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