Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, which has been dormant for decades, will soon be operationalized with the framing of rules.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at IG Park in Itanagar, Khandu credited former CM PK Thungon for passing the legislation. The Act prohibits religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means, aiming to preserve the indigenous faiths of Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Highlights of Khandu’s Address:
Implementation of the Act
- The Act, passed in 1978, remained inactive for decades.
- A directive from the Gauhati High Court recently mandated the state government to frame its rules for implementation.
- The rule-framing process is underway, ensuring the Act becomes enforceable soon.
Preservation of Indigenous Faith and Culture
- Khandu emphasized the interconnectedness of faith and culture, likening them to “two sides of the same coin.”
- He highlighted the global disappearance of indigenous cultures and stressed the importance of preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s distinct identity.
- Khandu praised IFCSAP and its pioneers for their role in fostering awareness and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
Department of Indigenous Affairs
- Established in 2017, the department collaborates with IFCSAP and community-based organizations (CBOs) to preserve indigenous cultures, languages, and institutions.
- The department is set to be renamed, a long-standing request of indigenous groups.
Appeal to Tribes and Organizations
- Khandu urged Arunachal Pradesh’s 26 major tribes to take collective responsibility for preserving their heritage.
- While government initiatives support the cause, Khandu stressed that community involvement is crucial.
Tributes and Legacy
The Chief Minister paid homage to champions of indigenous faith and culture, including Golgi Bote, late Talom Rukbo, late Mokar Riba, late Nabam Atum, and Dr. Tai Nyori. He credited their efforts for the continued preservation of Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Call to Action
Khandu assured unconditional support for the indigenous movement and urged IFCSAP, its associates, and CBOs to continue working to integrate the next generation into their cultural folds.
“Loss of culture is loss of identity. Together, we must ensure that Arunachal’s cultural legacy stands tall among its global peers,” he concluded.