SHILLONG: Two Christian leaders with academic ties to institutions in Nagaland and Karnataka have appealed to believers across Meghalaya and the global Christian community to pray for Arunachal Pradesh amid growing concerns over the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.
Dr Mibom Dirchi, a former student of Baptist Theological College, Pfutsero, Nagaland, and Dr Yumri Taipodia, a former student of the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore, issued the appeal through a statement highlighting concerns within sections of the Christian community over the Act’s implementation. According to the two leaders, the issue has divided opinion in Arunachal Pradesh, with some supporting the implementation of APFRA while others continue to demand its repeal. They expressed concern that the ongoing debate could lead to social tension and further polarisation within the state. The leaders noted that despite repeated appeals from Christian organisations and believers seeking the repeal of the law, the Arunachal Pradesh government is moving ahead with the process of framing rules for its implementation.
Calling for prayer support, they urged Christians around the world, particularly those in Meghalaya, to remember Arunachal Pradesh and seek peace and stability for the state.
“After nearly five decades, many believers fear that the implementation of APFRA rules may revive old wounds and create new challenges for the Christian community,” the statement said. The leaders also referred to historical concerns associated with the Act, claiming that previous decades saw instances of discrimination, restrictions on religious activities and difficulties faced by sections of the Christian community.In their appeal, they recalled the support extended by church leaders, elected representatives and believers from Meghalaya when the legislation was first introduced in 1978.
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According to the statement, Meghalaya’s Members of Parliament opposed the legislation at the time, while the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly reportedly appealed to the President of India not to grant assent to the Bill. The statement further claimed that churches and believers across Meghalaya mobilised prayer support at national and international levels and that several leaders from the state visited Arunachal Pradesh to express solidarity with newly converted Christians.
Dr Dirchi and Dr Taipodia also conveyed gratitude to the people of Meghalaya for their support during that period and said they remained hopeful that Christians would continue to stand in prayer with the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, has remained a subject of debate for decades. The state government’s recent move to frame rules for its implementation has renewed discussion among religious organisations, civil society groups and community leaders across the state.