In a move set to cut the roots of indigenous tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu decided to repeal an Anti-Conversion law in the state. In the next assembly section, Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of religion Act framed in 1978 will be repealed. Chief Minister in a function organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association(APCA) said that the law undermined secularism and probably targeted the Christians.
Nyishi, belonging to the Thani group, the largest ethnic community in Arunachal Pradesh came staunchly against CM’s decision. The groups Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh(IFCSAP) and the Nyishi Indigenous Faiths and Cultural Society(NIFCS) slammed the move as “minority appeasement and detrimental to the growth of indigenous people of the State”.
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The growth of Christianity in the state – from none in 1951 to the status of the largest religious group at 30.26% in 2011-was at the expense of the followers of indigenous faiths, accused the tribal groups. The IFCSAP and the NIFCS are the major organizations that fight for the preservation of indigenous faiths such as Donyi-Polo and Rangfra.
CM Pema Khandu’s decision was hailed by the Christian Organisations like Arunachal Pradesh Christian forum. The North Eastern States had become Christian majority thanks to the unhindered religious conversions by the Christain churches. The churches were also accused of promoting secessionist activities in the states like Nagaland too. However, Chief Minister of a Hindutva Party supporting the Christian evangelists and their conversion tactics will surely make political ripples in the future.
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