By Wangbo Wangsu George
In the vibrant mosaic of India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape, the tenets of freedom and secularism stand as our unyielding pillars. These fundamental rights, deeply enshrined in our Constitution (Art. 25-28), enable individuals to freely practice their faith and engage in religious discourse, enriching our social fabric. However, the resurfacing of the Freedom of Religion Bill in Arunachal Pradesh (APFRA, 1978), threatens to undermine these sacred values. After nearly half a century of lying dormant the current government’s inclination to enforce this draconian legislation must be met with vehement opposition and calls for repeal.
The original intent of the APFRA-1978, was to regulate religious conversions and curb the influence of Christian missionaries in Arunachal Pradesh (which has ample evidences in the Govt. Gazettes, Religious Chronicles, personal diaries and records). While the stated goal may have been to protect indigenous cultures (Constitution, Art. 29), the reality has often been a grim manifestation of intolerance disguised as legal restriction. The Arunachalee Christians were/are not converted by anyone, instead they embraced willingly, knowingly and freely with a conscious choice as per the Fundamental Right guaranteed by the Constitution of India. This law, which aimed to sever the spiritual exploration of individuals and inhibit their right to choose their path, quickly earned the reputation of being repressive and discriminatory. It has left a legacy of resentment and distrust among communities forced into silence regarding their beliefs.
One of the most concerning aspects of this bill is how it perpetuates a narrative of communal division, contradictory to the principles of unity and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution of India. Arunachal Pradesh is home to a myriad of ethnic groups (12th Aug, 2021: Arunachal Times, ‘26 major tribes and 110 sub tribes’) and religions, each possessing unique beliefs and practices. By targeting Christian missionaries specifically, this law fosters an environment of suspicion and hostility, alienating a significant section of the population that identifies with Christianity. It not only questions the faith of individuals but also devalues their existence and rightful choice to believe differently.
As the government considers reviving this outdated law, one must wonder: Is there nothing else of significance for them to address? At a time when Arunachal Pradesh faces pressing issues, the focus should be on substantive legislation that uplifts lives and strengthens communal bonds rather than limiting personal freedoms. Several critical areas demand urgent attention, including anti-corruption measures that preserve our indigenous ethos of integrity, accountability, and honesty. Instead of enacting divisive laws, the government should prioritize measures that enhance the welfare of the poor, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Additionally, as external threats loom large from potential Chinese incursion, the emphasis should be on legislation that secures our borders and protects the sovereignty of our state, for which the Government is required to empower local denizens through measures that will strengthen the allegiance of people to our nation; besides, the laws that aim at improving and ensuring quality education, for which our youngsters migrate to other states and abroad in pursuance of the same. In a nation where the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the revival of such a law sends a regressive message. It promotes the idea that there are acceptable beliefs and unacceptable ones, creating a hierarchy of faith that simply has no place in a democratic society.
Our commitment to secularism must be unwavering; it requires us to respect all religions equally and dismantle laws that cool the spirit of religious pluralism. The repercussions of enforcing the Freedom of Religion Bill will extend beyond Arunachal Pradesh, echoing throughout the country and potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other regions with similar agendas.
In a nation where the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the revival of such a law sends a regressive message. It promotes the idea that there are acceptable beliefs and unacceptable ones, creating a hierarchy of faith that simply has no place in a democratic society. Our commitment to secularism must be unwavering; it requires us to respect all religions equally and dismantle laws that cool the spirit of religious pluralism. The repercussions of enforcing the Freedom of Religion Bill will extend beyond Arunachal Pradesh, echoing throughout the country and potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other regions with similar agendas. Moreover, one cannot ignore the implications this bill has on social cohesion. India thrives on its harmonious coexistence and the celebration of diversity. Policies such as the Freedom of Religion Bill directly contravene the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among communities. Rather than bringing people together, they sow discord and mistrust, leading to the fragmentation of society along lines of faith.
The bill’s coercive enforcement methods, reminiscent of an authoritarian regime, are also deeply troubling. I would like to remind Hon’ble CM Shri. Pema Khandu Ji, that if this “Act is not against any religion, denomination/personnel”, then please go out or call and meet the people, there are hundreds and perhaps thousands APFRA-1978 Holocaust survivors. There are ample reports of bloodshed, imprisonment, burning and demolition of the churches and harassment and intimidation for engaging with missionaries or exploring different faiths.
At a time when progressive dialogues around spirituality, faith, and self-identity are gaining momentum, it is particularly jarring to consider a return to repressive measures that attempt to mould individual beliefs according to an outdated paradigm. People today seek spiritual fulfilment through various channels, with many choosing to explore diverse religious traditions. The revival of the Freedom of Religion Bill would not only suppress this introspective journey but could also lead to increased skepticism and fear surrounding religious interactions, poisoning relationships across communities. Such coercive techniques violate not only personal freedoms but also human rights norms that India has pledged to uphold. Individuals have the right to seek, embrace, and change their beliefs without fear of retribution from the state.
As we stand at the crossroads of history, the potential reinstatement of the Freedom of Religion Bill in Arunachal Pradesh presents profound dangers to our cherished secular fabric. It threatens to inflame tensions, promote intolerance, and target individuals based on their spiritual choices. Now is the time to voice our dissent against such regressive measures and advocate for the protection of individual liberties in the face of encroachment. It is imperative that we call upon the government to repeal this archaic law, ensuring that Arunachal Pradesh remains a model of acceptance and understanding in our diverse nation.
The fight for freedom of belief is a battle for our shared humanity—one that we must win together.