Itanagar, Feb 20: After members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) observed an eight-hour-long hunger strike, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has appealed the people of the state not to ‘misinterpret’ the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978.

While addressing the 39th Statehood Day celebration at IG park on Thursday, Khandu said that the Act, which was passed in the Assembly in 1978 under the first Chief Minister of the state, P K Thungon, when Arunachal Pradesh was an Union Territory, is not against any religion but to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state.

“Some people are misinterpreting it on social media and mainstream media platforms. This is not good for the peace and communal harmony in the state,” Khandu stated.

Khandu said, “Since 1978, the Act has remained a two-page document. Rules weren’t framed. However, when an individual took it to the court, the Bench of the Gauhati High Court ordered the state government to frame the rules within six months. The department concerned and the state government is abiding by the court’s directives and the initial draft is being prepared,”.

He assured that the Act will not be against any religion but for the good of all. He regretted that people are misinterpreting it by giving it political and religious colors.

On Monday, the members of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) observed an eight-hour-long hunger strike to protest against the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.

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