Arunachal Pradesh is reviving its 1978 anti-conversion law to protect indigenous faiths amid rising religious conversions and cultural concerns. The Act aims to prevent forceful religious conversions and imposes penalties for violations. It has remained dormant due to political sensitivities and opposition from Christian groups.
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Arunachal Pradesh is reviving its 1978 anti-conversion law to protect indigenous faiths amid rising religious conversions and cultural concerns.
The Arunachal Pradesh government is reviving the Act to address rising concerns about forceful religious conversions. In 2022, a PIL filed in the Gauhati High Court pushed the government to finalize the implementation rules, which had been missing for 46 years.
The Act aims to prohibit religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means. It imposes penalties of up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 for violations.
It requires every conversion to be reported to the Deputy Commissioner, failing which penalties apply to the person conducting the conversion.
The Act was introduced to protect the diverse indigenous cultures of Arunachal Pradesh. The state’s tribes practice a mix of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, Donyi Polo worship, and other polytheistic traditions.
During the 1950s, Christian missionaries began to influence some communities, leading to debates about socio-cultural changes and the potential loss of traditional practices. The Act is needed as a safeguard against such changes.
Successive governments avoided implementing the Act due to political sensitivities and opposition from Christian groups.
The Arunachal Christian Forum was formed in 1979, labelled the Act “anti-Christian” and raised convcern over its misuse. Over the years, the Christian population grew significantly, becoming the largest religious group in the state at 30.26% (2011 Census). Politicians hesitated to alienate this voter base.
Supporters believe that the Act will safeguard unique cultural identity by preserving traditional practices. They argue that rising conversions have led to a disconnect from indigenous traditions.
Critics raised concerns that it could restrict personal religious freedom and deepen societal divisions.
The implementation of the 1978 Act will intensify debates over religious freedom v/s cultural protection. The government need to deal with these sensitive issues with extra care to balance protecting Indigenous identities while ensuring constitutional rights.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.How can the balance between religious freedom and the preservation of indigenous cultural practices be effectively maintained in a multicultural society? 150 words) |
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