The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a mass protest against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, calling for its repeal. On March 6, the first day of the state’s budget session, the forum plans to gherao the Legislative Assembly, denouncing the law as “unconstitutional.” ACF President Tarh Miri stated that the forum has opposed the legislation for 46 years, viewing its enforcement as discriminatory toward the Christian community. He has urged Christians in Arunachal Pradesh to observe a week of prayer and fasting from February 10 to 17 in protest, advising against social gatherings during this period.
In addition, the ACF will hold a hunger strike at Itanagar’s Tennis Court on February 17. Miri noted that the forum had previously petitioned the Chief Minister’s Office, but no resolution has been reached.
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, seeks to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions but has faced opposition for its perceived impact on religious freedom.