ITANAGAR : The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) has urged the state government to take timely steps towards notifying the Rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA), following the submission of the report of the High-Power Committee (HPC) constituted to examine issues relating to the Act’s implementation.
In a statement, IFCSAP appreciated the state government and the HPC for conducting extensive consultations with stakeholders and facilitating what it described as a democratic, transparent and participatory process.
With the consultative exercise now concluded, the organisation expressed hope that the government would consider the committee’s recommendations and bring the Rules into force within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements.
The society stated that it would continue to monitor developments related to the implementation process and, if necessary, pursue appropriate legal remedies to ensure compliance with the directions of the Gauhati High Court and the applicable statutory framework.
Clarifying its position, IFCSAP said the issue of repealing the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was never part of the High-Power Committee’s mandate. According to the society, the committee’s role was limited to matters concerning the implementation of the Act and the framing of Rules and did not extend to examining the validity or continuance of the legislation itself.
It further noted that the issue of framing Rules under the APFRA remained uncontested during proceedings before the Gauhati High Court and stated that the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had not opposed the framing of Rules during the court process.
The organisation maintained that the government had provided adequate opportunities to all stakeholders, including ACF, to present their views and concerns. It said constructive participation and dialogue were essential for strengthening democratic consultation and promoting consensus-building.
Rejecting claims that the framing of Rules is directed against any particular religion or community, IFCSAP described such perceptions as misleading and asserted that the Rules are intended solely to facilitate implementation of an existing law enacted by the Legislature.
The society also pointed out that once notified, the Rules would be public documents accessible to all citizens, thereby promoting transparency and informed public discourse. It added that, like other forms of subordinate legislation, the Rules could be reviewed, amended or modified by the Government in future in accordance with constitutional principles, public interest and changing circumstances.
Expressing concern over attempts to delay the notification process through public pressure or confrontational approaches, IFCSAP said differences of opinion should be addressed through constitutional procedures, legal processes and institutional mechanisms.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to constitutional values, indigenous rights, religious freedom, social harmony and peaceful coexistence among all communities of Arunachal Pradesh, while expressing hope that stakeholders would continue to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
