In Arunachal Pradesh, concerns regarding coerced or induced religious conversions have prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to pledge drafting regulations for the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. This legislation aims to prevent religious conversions conducted through coercion or fraud, with penalties including up to two years in prison and fines of Rs 10,000. Despite its passage over 40 years ago, the Act has essentially remained inactive due to the absence of necessary provisions. During a visit to Shah’s official residence in New Delhi, a delegation from the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), led by president Emi Rumi, stressed the urgency of operationalising the Act, highlighting its long-standing ineffective status. The delegation requested Shah’s direct intervention to expedite the drafting process, aiming to bolster the protections of indigenous faiths, cultures, and traditions in the state. IFCSAP regarded Shah’s promise as a significant and positive development for Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous communities, indicating that forthcoming actions could enhance the safeguards for their customs and traditional beliefs.
