Itanagar: Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday that Arunachal Pradesh will soon implement the dormant Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, by framing its rules.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar, Khandu highlighted the significance of the Act, which was originally passed under the leadership of the state’s first Chief Minister, PK Thungon, to prevent religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraud.
While the Act had remained inactive, Khandu revealed that a directive from the Gauhati High Court has prompted the state government to expedite the process of framing the necessary rules. “The process is underway, and soon we will have a properly structured Freedom of Religion Act in place,” he said, stressing that the Act would help preserve the indigenous faith and culture of the region.
Khandu emphasized the inseparability of faith and culture, calling them “two sides of the same coin.” He expressed concern about the global erosion of indigenous cultures and tribes, underscoring the importance of protecting Arunachal Pradesh’s unique identity. He credited the efforts of IFCSAP and its volunteers for successfully preserving the state’s indigenous traditions, despite the pressures of modernity and development.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to key figures in the indigenous faith and cultural movement, including Golgi Bote, Talom Rukbo, Mokar Riba, Nabam Atum, and Dr. Tai Nyori. He also mentioned the establishment of the Department of Indigenous Affairs in 2017, which will soon be renamed to better reflect its role in safeguarding indigenous faith and culture.
However, Khandu emphasized that preserving Arunachal’s heritage is a collective responsibility. He urged the state’s 26 major tribes, IFCSAP, community-based organizations, and the people of Arunachal Pradesh to take ownership of this mission. Khandu assured that the state government would continue to support the indigenous movement and efforts to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage for future generations.
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