50,000 Christians Protest Anti-Conversion Law In India
Over 50,000 Christians from different church denominations gathered in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, to protest the state government’s decision to implement a decades-old anti-conversion law. The protesters voiced concerns that the law, originally enacted in 1978, could be misused to target Christian communities and restrict religious freedom.
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), a key organiser of the protest, strongly opposed the revival of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. “We oppose this act because it curtails our religious rights,” stated Tara Miri, ACF president. Christians from all 29 districts and 46 different denominations participated in the protest on March 6, completely filling the 50,000 seats set up for the event.
Initially enacted to protect the indigenous faiths of the state from external influence, the law had remained inactive for over four decades due to the lack of regulatory provisions. However, the Gauhati High Court’s permanent bench in Itanagar directed the government on September 30, 2023, to frame the necessary rules within six months, following a public interest litigation. This directive has now reignited concerns among the Christian community.
The anti-conversion law prohibits religious conversion through force, inducement, or fraudulent means. It prescribes a two-year prison term or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 (US$115) for those found guilty. Additionally, it mandates that all conversions be reported to the district’s deputy commissioner, with failure to do so resulting in penalties.
Christian leaders argue that the law is open to misuse, potentially allowing authorities to harass religious minorities under vague allegations. The ACF insists that implementing such a law contradicts constitutional principles of religious freedom and could deepen divisions within the state’s religiously diverse population.
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Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, defended the move, stating that the government is merely complying with the High Court’s directive. “The draft rules are being prepared as per legal directives. The public should not misinterpret our intent,” he asserted.
Despite assurances from the government, the Christian community remains apprehensive. Prior to the large-scale protest, the ACF had staged an eight-hour hunger strike on February 17 and held discussions with Home Minister Mama Natung on February 21. However, these discussions ended without resolution.
While the Christian community continues to resist the law, some indigenous faith groups support its implementation. Kamjai Taism, an indigenous faith leader, argued that the law is not unconstitutional and would apply equally to all faiths in Arunachal Pradesh.
The northeastern state is home to a diverse religious population, with Christians constituting 30.26% of its 1.4 million people. Hindus make up 29.04%, followers of indigenous faiths 26.20%, Buddhists 11.77%, and Muslims 1.95%. As tensions escalate, the state government has assured further discussions with religious leaders while continuing with the rule-framing process. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial in determining the future of religious freedom in Arunachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, Christian leaders remain steadfast in their demand for the law’s repeal, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of religious minorities in the state.
SOURCE: https://www.ucanews.com/
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Picture Credit | https://www.indiatodayne.in/
