Defunct APFRA-1978: Awaken After 47 Years of Slumber
Defunct APFRA-1978: Awaken After 47 Years of Slumber
In the vibrant mosaics of India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape, the tenets of freedom and secularism stand as our
unyielding pillars. These fundamental rights, deeply enshrined in our Constitution (Art. 25-28)
In the vibrant mosaics of India’s diverse cultural and
religious landscape, the tenets of freedom and secularism stand as our
unyielding pillars. These fundamental rights, deeply enshrined in our
Constitution (Art. 25-28), enable individuals to freely practice their faith
and engage in religious discourse, enriching our social fabric. However, the
resurfacing of the Freedom of Religion Bill in Arunachal Pradesh (APFRA, 1978),
threatens to undermine these sacred values. After nearly half a century of dormancy,
the current government’s inclination to enforce this draconian legislation must
be met with vehement opposition and calls for repeal.
The original intent of the APFRA-1978, was to regulate
religious conversions and curb the influence of Christian missionaries in
Arunachal Pradesh (which has ample evidences in the Govt. Gazettes, Religious
Chronicles, personal diaries and records). While the stated goal may have been
to protect indigenous cultures (Constitution, Art. 29), the reality has often
been a grim manifestation of intolerance disguised as legal restriction. The
Arunachalee Christians were/are not converted by anyone; instead they embraced
willingly, knowingly and freely with conscious of the choice they had made, as
per the Fundamental Right guaranteed by the constitution of India. This law,
which aimed to sever the spiritual exploration of individuals and inhibit their
right to choose their path, quickly earned the reputation of being repressive
and discriminatory. It has left a legacy of resentment and distrust among
communities forced into silence regarding their beliefs.
One of the most concerning aspects of this bill is how it
perpetuates a narrative of communal division, contradictory to the principles
of unity and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution of India. Arunachal
Pradesh is home to a myriad of ethnic groups (12th Aug, 2021: Arunachal Times,
‘26 major tribes and 110 sub tribes’) and religions, each possessing unique
beliefs and practices. By targeting Christian missionaries specifically, this
law fosters an environment of suspicion and hostility, alienating a significant
section of the population that identifies with Christianity. It not only
questions the faith of individuals but also devalues their existence and
rightful choice to believe differently.
As the government considers reviving this outdated law, one
must wonder: Is there nothing else of significance for them to address? At a
time when Arunachal Pradesh faces pressing issues, the focus should be on
substantive legislation that uplifts lives and strengthens communal bonds
rather than limiting personal freedoms. Several critical areas demand urgent
attention, including anti-corruption measures that preserve our indigenous
ethos of integrity, accountability, and honesty.
Instead of enacting divisive laws, the government should
prioritise measures that enhance the welfare of the poor, ensuring equitable
access to resources and opportunities. Additionally, as potential external
threats loom large from potential Chinese incursion, the emphasis should be on
legislation that secures our borders and protects the sovereignty of our state,
for which the Government is required to empower local denizens through measures
that will strengthen the allegiance of people to our nation; besides, the laws
that aim at improving and ensuring quality education, for which our youngsters
migrate to other states and abroad in pursuance of the same.
In a nation where the Constitution guarantees freedom of
religion, the revival of such a law sends a regressive message. It promotes the
idea that there are acceptable beliefs and unacceptable ones, creating a
hierarchy of faith that simply has no place in a democratic society. Our
commitment to secularism must be unwavering; it requires us to respect all
religions equally and dismantle laws that cool the spirit of religious
pluralism. The repercussions of enforcing the Freedom of Religion Bill will
extend beyond Arunachal Pradesh, echoing throughout the country and potentially
setting a dangerous precedent for other regions with similar agenda. Moreover,
one cannot ignore the implications this bill has on social cohesion. India
thrives on its harmonious coexistence and the celebration of diversity.
Policies such as the Freedom of Religion Bill directly contravene the spirit of
cooperation and mutual respect among communities. Rather than bringing people
together, they sow discord and mistrust, leading to the fragmentation of
society along lines of faith.
The bill’s coercive enforcement methods, reminiscent of an
authoritarian regime, are also deeply troubling. I would like to remind Hon’ble
CM Shri. Pema Khandu Ji, that if this “Act is not against any religion,
denomination/personnel”, then please go out or call and meet the people, there
are in hundreds and perhaps thousands APFRA-1978 Holocaust survivors. There are
ample reports of bloodshed, imprisonment, burning and demolition of the
churches and harassment and intimidation for engaging with missionaries or
exploring different faiths. Such coercive techniques violate not only personal
freedoms but also human rights norms that India has pledged to uphold.
Individuals have the right to seek, embrace, and change their beliefs without
fear of retribution from the state.
In a time when progressive dialogues around spirituality,
faith, and self-identity are gaining momentum, it is particularly jarring to
consider a return to repressive measures that attempt to mold individual
beliefs according to an outdated paradigm. People today seek spiritual
fulfillment through various channels, with many choosing to explore diverse
religious traditions. The revival of the Freedom of Religion Bill would not
only suppress this introspective journey but could also lead to increased
skepticism and fear surrounding religious interactions, poisoning relationships
across communities.
As we stand at the crossroads of history, the potential
reinstatement of the Freedom of Religion Bill in Arunachal Pradesh presents
profound dangers to our cherished secular fabric. It threatens to enflame
tensions, promote intolerance, and target individuals based on their spiritual
choices. The time is now to voice our dissent against such regressive measures
and advocate for the protection of individual liberties in the face of
encroachment. It is imperative that we call upon the government to repeal this
archaic law, ensuring that Arunachal Pradesh remains a model of acceptance and
understanding in our diverse nation. The fight for freedom of belief is a
battle for our shared humanity—one that we must win together.
