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The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act
Context:
The Arunachal Pradesh government is reviving the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, originally passed in 1978, after nearly five decades. This move is prompted by increasing concerns over forced religious conversions and the need to safeguard the state’s indigenous cultures and practices.
About the Act:
- Timeline of the Act: The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was enacted in 1978 by the first Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh. The Act was aimed at prohibiting religious conversions by force, inducement, or fraudulent means. However, due to the lack of implemented rules, the Act remained dormant for almost five decades.
Religious Faiths in Arunachal Pradesh
The Act specifically protects indigenous faiths that have been practiced for generations in the state. These include:
- Buddhism: Practised by the Monpas, Sherdukpens, and other communities.
- Donyi Polo Worship: A polytheistic faith followed by the Tani group, including the Nyishis, Adis, Apatanis, Galos, Misings, and Tagins.
- Vaishnavism: Practised by communities like the Noctes and Akas.
These faiths are classified as “indigenous” because they have been integral to the communities’ way of life for centuries. Other religions, including Hinduism and Christianity, are considered external faiths.
Need for the Act :
- Social and Religious Change in Arunachal Pradesh: The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act was introduced during a time of rapid social and religious transformation in the state.
- Arunachal Pradesh, known for its ethnic diversity, was undergoing shifts in religious demographics, which raised concerns about the impact on the region’s indigenous faiths and cultural practices.
- Growing Spread of Christianity: Since the 1950s, the spread of Christianity has accelerated in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to fears of cultural assimilation.
- Protection of Indigenous Religions: The primary objective of the Act was to protect the indigenous religious practices of the state’s communities.
Impact on Indigenous Communities of the Act :
- Preservation of Indigenous Beliefs:The Act is focused on preserving the religious practices of the diverse ethnic groups in Arunachal Pradesh. For many tribes, faiths such as Donyi Polo worship (practiced by the Tani group) and local forms of Buddhism are integral to their way of life and identity.
- Tensions Arising from Christianity’s Growth: With Christianity becoming the largest religion in the state, indigenous communities began to voice their concerns about the potential erosion of their cultural identity.
- The Challenge of Balancing Religious Rights: While the Act aims to protect indigenous faiths, it also raises questions about the right of individuals to freely convert.
Reasons for dormancy of the Act till now :
- Early Opposition to the Act: The Act faced strong opposition from figures like Bakin Pertin, a Christian MP, and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. This resistance hindered its enforcement.
- Formation of the Arunachal Christian Forum: The Arunachal Christian Forum campaigned against the Act, citing fears of misuse and religious discrimination, which contributed to the government’s inaction.
- Reluctance of Successive Governments: The growing Christian population (30.26% as per the 2011 census) made the Act politically sensitive, causing governments to avoid enforcing it to prevent religious tensions.
- Chief Minister’s Opposition and Resistance from Groups: In 2018, Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s proposal to repeal the Act faced strong opposition, particularly from groups like the RSS, delaying any decisive action.
Reasons as to why the Act has been brought back now ?:
- Rising Concerns Over Religious Conversions: The increasing rate of conversions, particularly to Christianity, has raised alarms in indigenous communities, prompting calls for the Act’s revival to safeguard cultural practices.
- Gauhati High Court’s Intervention: The Gauhati High Court ordered the state government to finalize the enforcement rules for the Act within six months, spurring government action.
- Urgency Highlighted by Indigenous Leaders: Maya Murtem of IFCSAP emphasized that conversion rates in some districts had reached nearly 90%, highlighting the urgent need for the Act to preserve indigenous practices.
Pros and Cons of Bringing Back the Act:
Pros
- Cultural Protection: The Act helps protect the religious and cultural traditions of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring that practices passed down through generations are safeguarded.
- Prevention of Forced Conversions: The Act ensures that conversions are voluntary, carried out without coercion, and in accordance with an individual’s choice.
- Promotion of Religious Harmony: By regulating conversions, the Act aims to reduce religious tensions between different communities in the state.
Cons
- Potential for Misuse: Critics argue that the Act could be misused by authorities to target certain religious groups, particularly Christians, leading to religious discrimination.
- Infringement on Religious Freedom: Some view the Act as an infringement on individuals’ right to choose their religion freely, as it places restrictions on conversion and religious proselytisation.
- Religious Tensions: The Act could exacerbate existing tensions between religious groups, particularly if it is seen as an attempt to suppress the growth of Christianity in the state.
