Itanagar, Jun 8: The High-Powered Committee constituted to frame the draft rules of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, has submitted its report and recommendations to the state government on Monday.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated and thanked the committee chairman, Justice (Retd) Brojendra Prasad Katakey, and all members for their commitment and dedicated efforts in completing the task.
He also appreciated the contributions of ministers Mama Natung, Balo Raja and Kento Jini for their leadership and active involvement throughout the process.
The submission of the report marks a significant step towards finalising the draft rules under the APFRA, 1978.
IFCSAP urges Govt to notify
APFRA Rules without delay
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) has urged the State government to take timely steps towards notifying the Rules under the APFRA, following the submission of the High-Power Committee’s report.
In a statement issued on Monday, IFCSAP appreciated the State Government and the High-Power Committee for conducting extensive consultations with stakeholders through a democratic and transparent process.
The organization expressed hope that the government would expeditiously consider the committee's recommendations and bring the Rules into force in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements. It also stated that it would continue to monitor the implementation process and, if necessary, pursue legal remedies to ensure compliance with the directions of the Gauhati High Court.
Clarifying its position, IFCSAP said the issue of repealing the APFRA was never within the mandate of the High-Power Committee, which was constituted solely to examine matters related to the implementation of the Act and framing of its Rules.
The society further noted that the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had not opposed the framing of Rules during proceedings before the Gauhati High Court, making recent objections at the final stage of the consultative process “surprising and regrettable.”
Rejecting the perception being promoted in certain quarters that the framing of Rules under the APFRA is directed against any particular religion or religious community, IFCSAP asserted that the exercise is a statutory requirement aimed at facilitating implementation of an existing law. It emphasized that once notified, the Rules would remain subject to review, amendment, and modification by the government in line with constitutional principles and public interest.
The organization also cautioned against attempts to delay or obstruct the notification process through public pressure, stressing that differences should be addressed through constitutional and democratic mechanisms.
Reaffirming its commitment to indigenous rights, religious freedom, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence, IFCSAP expressed hope that all stakeholders would continue constructive engagement while allowing the government to discharge its lawful responsibilities.