By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A committee tasked with framing draft rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, has submitted its final report to the state government on June 8, bringing renewed momentum to a law that has remained largely unimplemented for decades.
The legislation, enacted to curb conversions carried out through coercion, deception or inducement, could not be fully enforced due to the absence of supporting rules, leaving it inactive for nearly 48 years.
The matter regained focus after the Gauhati High Court issued directions related to the formulation of rules under the Act, prompting the constitution of the expert panel.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged the submission through a post on X, expressing gratitude to the committee led by retired Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey for completing the assignment. He also appreciated the efforts of state ministers Mama Natung, Balo Raja and Kento Jini for their involvement in the process.
The committee carried out extensive consultations with multiple stakeholders before finalising its recommendations for the government’s consideration.
Reacting to the development, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) welcomed the report and urged authorities to move forward with notifying the rules without delay. The organisation also indicated that it would continue to follow the process closely and pursue appropriate legal steps if required to ensure compliance with court directions.
With the submission of the report, the long-pending process towards operationalising the Act is expected to gain traction in the state.