Will Implement 1978 Anti-Conversion Law Soon: Arunachal CM

The Arunachal Pradesh government will soon implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 — which prohibits religious conversion by coercion, inducement or other fraudulent means — by framing its corresponding rules, chief minister Pema Khandu has announced.

- Utpal Parashar

GUWAHATI:

Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at Itanagar on Friday, Khandu pointed out that while the Act was lying dormant, a recent directive from the Gauhati high court has mandated the state government to frame its rules for execution and implementation.

"The process of framing the rules is underway and soon we will have a proper structured Freedom of Religion Act in place," the chief minister said, adding that the development will play a significant role in preserving the northeastern state's indigenous faith and culture.

The legislation, passed by the Arunachal Pradesh assembly in October 1978 during the tenure of the state's first chief minister PK Thungon, provides "for prohibition of conversion from one religious faith to any other religious faith by use of force or inducement or by fraudulent means and for matters connected therewith."

The law also has a provision for up to two-year imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine for violators.