Arunachal Pradesh Revives 1978 Anti-Conversion Law Amid Cultural Preservation and Religious Freedom Debate

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:

What is the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act?

• The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, enacted in 1978, prohibits religious conversion through force, inducement, or fraudulent means.
• Violators face up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000.
• The Act mandates reporting all conversions to the Deputy Commissioner of the district.
• Despite its enactment, the Act remained dormant for 46 years due to the lack of implementation rules.

Why Was the Act Introduced?

• The Act aimed to protect the diverse indigenous faiths and cultures of Arunachal Pradesh’s ethnic communities, such as the Monpas, Sherdukpens, and Tani tribes, from perceived threats posed by religious conversions.
• The steady growth of Christianity, from 0.79% of the population in 1971 to 4.32% in 1981, sparked debates on proselytization and its impact on indigenous practices, leading to demands for legal safeguards.

Why Has the Act Remained Dormant?

• Opposition from Christian groups like the Arunachal Christian Forum, which view the Act as discriminatory and prone to misuse, has hindered its implementation.
• Christianity, now the state’s largest religion, comprising 30.26% of the population in 2011, has grown significantly, creating vocal resistance to the Act.
• Political reluctance to alienate these groups further stalled the framing of rules.

Why Is the Act Being Revived Now?

• In 2022, a PIL filed in the Gauhati High Court highlighted the state government’s failure to frame rules for the Act.
• The court’s recent directive to finalize draft rules within six months has reignited discussions.
• Proponents, like the Indigenous Faiths and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), argue that the Act is vital to preserve indigenous traditions and counter the rising conversion rates.

Concerns and Diverging Views

• Critics, particularly Christian organizations, see the Act as a tool for curbing religious freedom and fostering discrimination.
• In contrast, advocates view it as essential for cultural preservation. The involvement of the RSS and its affiliates in institutionalizing indigenous faiths adds complexity, as their activities are seen as supportive of traditional practices without direct conversion efforts.

Conclusion

• The revival of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act underscores tensions between safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring religious freedom.
• Its implementation will require careful balancing to address diverse perspectives and uphold constitutional rights.

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