ITANAGAR : Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has welcomed the initiative of the chief minister’s office to invite leaders of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) for discussions on issues related to the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, while urging all stakeholders to ensure transparency and work towards preserving peace and social harmony in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, HRA chairman Dr Kipa Kaha appreciated the ACF leadership for seeking clarity on the agenda and topics of discussion from the Chief Minister’s Office and for advocating transparency in the deliberations.
He said the appeal for openness, including consideration of live telecast arrangements for public awareness, reflected a commitment to accountability and public confidence.
Kaha also urged the present ACF leadership to maintain transparency in matters concerning the public and its followers, stating that public trust is strengthened through dialogue, openness and responsible leadership.
Welcoming the proposed discussions between the government and the ACF, he appealed to both sides to work together in safeguarding peace, tranquillity and social harmony in Arunachal Pradesh.
“Every resident of Arunachal Pradesh is part of one family, and our collective responsibility is to safeguard unity and mutual respect,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing debate surrounding APFRA, Kaha noted that frequent press conferences and public statements by various leaders indicated the need for greater clarification and constructive dialogue on the issue.
He said HRA had taken note of the recent observations made by MLA Tachi Kaso regarding the proposed removal of Clause (3) from the APFRA draft rules and stressed that any amendment should be handled with wisdom, responsibility and mutual respect to avoid creating divisions in society.
The HRA chairman said issues related to APFRA should be approached carefully and in a manner that protects the unity and welfare of all communities in the state.
Emphasising constitutional guarantees, Kaha said every citizen has the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, while all faiths deserve equal dignity, protection and respect.
He further appealed to religious and community leaders to promote harmony, compassion and moral values, cautioning against the misuse of religion for personal gain, influence or publicity.
Calling for unity and brotherhood, Kaha urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to uphold peace and mutual understanding irrespective of religious affiliations.
