Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Oct 18: Thousands of indigenous faith believers from across Arunachal Pradesh participated in a mega rally at Itanagar on Saturday, demanding the immediate framing of Rules for the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA–1978) and its implementation.
The rally, organized by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), was held from RKMH helipad ground to Nyokum Lapang here protesting the State Government’s inaction despite the Gauhati High Court’s directive in September 2024, which had instructed the government to frame the Rules for APFRA–1978 within six months. The deadline expired on March 31, 2025, but the Rules remain unframed despite repeated representations and memoranda submitted by IFCSAP.
According to organizers, over 10,000 people from all districts — from Tawang to Longding — took part in the rally, displaying placards and banners urging the government to honour the High Court’s directive and fulfill its constitutional and judicial obligations.
The large turnout symbolized the unity and determination of the Indigenous Faith community to protect their ancestral traditions, values, and spiritual identity, they said.
The event featured several eminent speakers who elaborated on the legal, constitutional, and cultural significance of the Act.
Advocate Tambo Tamin, former secretary of IFCSAP, presented a detailed overview of APFRA–1978, highlighting its historical background and its importance in safeguarding the spiritual rights of Indigenous believers. He also reminded the gathering that it was he who had filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on behalf of IFCSAP, seeking judicial intervention in the matter.
Prof Nani Bath of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) spoke on the legal and constitutional validity of the Act, explaining its role in protecting indigenous faiths within the framework of India’s Constitution.
Former IFCSAP president Er Katung Wahge appealed for mutual respect and recognition of Indigenous Faith rights, while Er Dewaang Tayeng, secretary general of Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang, highlighted concerns over demographic changes and the cultural imbalance caused by the unchecked spread of alien faiths.
Adv SD Loda addressed what he termed as “misinformation and defamatory remarks” made against APFRA–1978 on public and social platforms. He urged the community to stand united and take pride in their rich culture, traditions, and faith.
IFCSAP secretary Maya Murtem outlined the sustained efforts made by the organization over the years to ensure the framing of the Rules under APFRA–1978. She reaffirmed that IFCSAP would continue its peaceful and democratic movement until the government implements the Act in its true spirit.
Call for Govt action
In his concluding address, IFCSAP president Dr Emi Rumi lauded the solidarity displayed by the Indigenous Faith community and reaffirmed that the movement was peaceful, constitutional, and respectful of all faiths.
“Our movement is not against any other faith, but for the survival and dignity of our own,” Dr Rumi said. “We urge the State Government to honour its assurance made during IFCSAP’s Silver Jubilee celebration and to immediately frame the Rules for APFRA–1978, in accordance with the High Court’s directive.”
Dr Rumi further noted that although the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, had received Presidential assent soon after its passage, successive governments had extended only lip service to the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. “Had the Act been implemented years ago, the demographic changes we are witnessing today could have been prevented,” he remarked.
Regarding delay in framing of rules and its implementation of APFRA-1978, he said there is no need for a High Power Committee to frame the rules. The rules are already framed. Just the gazette notification has to be done,” he added. He informed that IFCSAP will soon organize awareness programmes regarding APFRA all over the state.
The IFCSAP chief claimed that the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) is spreading misinformation about APFRA-1978 on social media. “Rather than misguiding innocent people, it should approach the court if they think the Act is unconstitutional or illegal,” he said.
IFCSAP’s Youth Wing secretary Rikar Dini also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of youth in preserving indigenous identity and faith.
The rally concluded peacefully with a collective Indigenous prayer for unity, justice, and the preservation of Arunachal Pradesh’s sacred traditions.
Participants reiterated their commitment to continue their movement through lawful and democratic means until the government implements APFRA–1978 in letter and spirit.