Kohima: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed concerns over the revival of an anti-conversion bill in Arunachal Pradesh, urging Chief Minister Pema Khandu to reconsider its reintroduction.
In a letter to Khandu, NBCC General Secretary Zelhou Keyho highlighted apprehensions that the legislation could be misused to suppress certain religious groups.
Keyho appealed for sensitivity towards the concerns of all communities in the state, stating, “We pray and appeal to your good leadership to be sensitive and be considerate, taking the whole region in mind.” The NBCC’s concerns stem from the potential misuse of the legislation to target specific religious groups.
However, Chief Minister Khandu clarified that the newly framed rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, aim to preserve the indigenous culture and traditions of the state, rather than targeting any religious community. Khandu explained that the Act, which has existed for 46 years, lacked a structured framework, which the state government is now addressing as per a High Court directive.
Khandu assured that the government would engage with officials, stakeholders, and religious leaders to ensure an inclusive and balanced approach to the implementation of the rules.
He stated, “The intention behind the new rules is not to target any specific religious group… but rather to offer greater support to the indigenous people of the state.”
The controversy surrounding the anti-conversion bill revival has sparked concerns among religious groups, with many calling for a reconsideration of the legislation.