Christian leaders in Arunachal Pradesh welcome CM Pema Khandu’s assurance of consultation before enforcing disputed anti-conversion law.
Newsroom (16/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Christian leaders in India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India , have cautiously welcomed an assurance from Chief Minister Pema Khandu that all religious communities will be consulted before the implementation of a long-dormant anti-conversion law.
The assurance was delivered during a June 15 meeting between the state government and representatives of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), a powerful multi-denominational body that has led protests against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. The law, though passed and granted presidential assent decades ago, has remained unenforced due to the absence of implementing regulations.
That situation may soon change. A state-appointed panel submitted draft rules and recommendations on June 8, potentially paving the way for the law’s activation once they are officially gazetted.
A Law Dormant for Decades
The APFRA was originally enacted to prevent religious conversions carried out through coercion, inducement, or fraudulent means. It prescribes penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of Rs 10,000 (approximately US$105.83). It also mandates that individuals converting to another religion report the change to district authorities or face penalties.
Despite these provisions, successive governments refrained from enforcing the law, largely due to opposition from religious minorities, particularly Christians, who argue that such legislation infringes on constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
The renewed push to operationalize the law follows a September 2024 directive from the Guwahati High Court, which has jurisdiction over Arunachal Pradesh. The directive arose from a Public Interest Litigation seeking enforcement of the statute that had been ignored for nearly five decades.
Growing Concerns Among Christians
Christian leaders have reacted strongly to the move. According to Tara Miri, chief adviser of the ACF, the community has consistently opposed the law since its inception.
“We feel relieved after the chief minister’s assurance to consult all stakeholders before implementing what many perceive as a draconian anti-conversion law,” Miri said on June 16.
He emphasized that Christians view the law as a constraint on religious freedom guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. The concern is particularly significant given that Christians make up 30.26 percent of the state’s population, the largest single religious group, according to the 2011 census.
Organized Protests Across the State
Opposition intensified earlier this year when the government formally began drafting implementation rules. Beginning in March, Christian groups launched widespread protests across Arunachal Pradesh’s 29 districts.
The demonstrations included prayer meetings, fasting programs, and protest marches, with participation from members of all 46 Christian denominations in the state. The Arunachal Christian Forum also organized a hunger strike in the capital, Itanagar, and staged a symbolic siege of the State Assembly during its March session.
The mobilization underscored the depth of unease within the community, which fears the law could be used to target religious minorities despite its stated aim of preventing coercive conversions.
Government Response and Political Context
Chief Minister Khandu, who leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state, moved to defuse tensions by issuing a written assurance that all stakeholders would be consulted before any enforcement steps are taken.
“Our priority will always be peace, harmony and progress. In our beautiful state, no religious community should ever feel hurt, excluded or alienated,” Khandu wrote in a social media post.
In response, the ACF has agreed to suspend a planned vehicle rally scheduled for June 18, which was intended as a major protest against the law. However, leaders have made it clear that their opposition remains conditional.
James Techi Tara, president of the ACF, said that while the written assurance has temporarily eased tensions, protests could resume if the government fails to honor its commitment to inclusive consultation.
A Delicate Religious Balance
Arunachal Pradesh is characterized by a diverse religious landscape. According to the 2011 census, Christians account for 30.26 percent of the population, followed closely by Hindus at 29.04 percent. Indigenous religious traditions represent 26.20 percent, Buddhists 11.77 percent, and Muslims 1.95 percent.
The original rationale behind the APFRA was to protect indigenous belief systems from erosion due to external influences. However, critics argue that its enforcement could disrupt the delicate balance among religious communities in the state.
Uncertain Path Ahead
While the chief minister’s assurance has temporarily paused escalating protests, the situation remains unresolved. The publication of the draft rules in the state gazette—a necessary step for the law’s enforcement—will likely determine the next phase of developments.
For now, Christian leaders have adopted a cautious stance, balancing relief with vigilance. The coming weeks are expected to test whether consultation efforts can bridge differences or deepen divisions over a law that has remained contentious for nearly half a century.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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