In deep freeze since 1978, Arunachal wants to implement Act which curbs religious conversion

While the law was passed, the rules for its implementation have been dormant and a prickly issue. In fact, in 2018, Khandu even stated at an event organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association that the government was considering the repeal of the Act. He had been reported as saying then that the law “could undermine secularism and is probably targeted towards Christians”.

In response to a petition filed by former IFCSAP general secretary Tambo Tamin against the state government for failing to frame the requisite rules for over 45 years after the enactment of the law, the Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court had in September directed the state to finalise draft rules for the Act within a period of six months from the order.

The 1978 Act defined “indigenous faith” as religions, beliefs, observances, customs, etc “as have been found sanctioned, approved, performed by the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh from these communities have been known…” It includes in this definition Buddhism as practised among the Monpas, Membas, Sherdukpens, Khambas, Khamptis and Singphos in the state; nature worship, including the worship of Donyi-Polo among communities in the state; and Vaishnavism as practised by Noctes and Akas.

The Act entails punishment of imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for the offence of “converting or attempting to convert, either directly or otherwise… by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means…”