The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) on Monday suspended its proposed mass vehicle rally scheduled for June 18 after Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured that the rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, would not be implemented without extensive consultations with all stakeholders.
Addressing the media after a meeting with the Chief Minister, ACF president James Techi Tara said the organisation received a positive response from the state government regarding its concerns over the framing and implementation of the APFRA rules. He said the Chief Minister provided written assurance that the rules would only be enforced after detailed consultations with representatives of all religious communities.
“In view of the assurance given by the government, we have decided to suspend the proposed vehicle rally on June 18. However, the rally has not been cancelled and may be revived if circumstances require,” Tara stated.
He also thanked supporters across the state for their unity and participation in the movement.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the discussion with the newly elected central executive members of the ACF as “positive and meaningful,” reiterating his government’s commitment to peace, harmony, and inclusive development.
“Our government’s priority will always be peace, harmony, and progress. No religious community should feel excluded or alienated. Every faith and every citizen is an important part of the Arunachal family,” he said in a social media post.
The APFRA issue has been under public discussion since the government initiated the process of framing rules following a directive from the Gauhati High Court, with the objective of operationalising the 1978 Act while ensuring communal harmony.
