The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, demanding an immediate suspension of the process to frame and notify rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA).

In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the ACF expressed its “strongest opposition” to the ongoing move. The forum warned that failure to meet its demands within the deadline could lead to “democratic protest measures,” including mass rallies and a statewide bandh.

The ACF said the Christian community in the state is “deeply concerned” that implementation of the Act through new rules could impact constitutional rights, religious freedom, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence.

The memorandum alleged that recent actions by the High Powered Committee (HPC) on APFRA-1978 were being carried out “in undue haste” and had generated “widespread apprehension and resentment among significant sections of the population.”

“Despite repeated appeals from various religious bodies, organizations and citizens, the state government appeared determined to proceed with the process without adequate consultation with stakeholders,” the ACF stated.

The forum said a move without broad consensus and meaningful dialogue could lead to “avoidable tension and unrest” in the state.

The ACF placed three key demands before the state government-

•Immediate suspension of the entire process of framing and notification of rules under APFRA, 1978.

•No notification, implementation or enforcement of the proposed rules.

•A public declaration by the government halting the process and initiating comprehensive consultations on the repeal of APFRA-1978 with all affected stakeholders.

The forum said any decision affecting religious freedom and community relations should be undertaken only after comprehensive consultations involving all concerned groups.

The ACF has given the government 15 days from receipt of the memorandum to formally communicate its decision on the demands.

“Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe may compel it to launch democratic protest measures, including protest mass rallies and even statewide bandh calls,” the memo said.

The forum maintained that such actions would be undertaken to safeguard what it described as the rights and interests of the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh. It added that the ultimatum was issued “in the interest of preserving peace, protecting fundamental rights and maintaining communal harmony.”

The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, prohibits conversion by force, inducement, or fraudulent means. The Act has been on the statute books for 46 years, but rules for its implementation were never framed. The state government’s recent move to draft rules has revived debate around the law.