Itanagar,Feb 19: The All Arunachal Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU) has strongly voiced its support for the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA 1978) and called for its strict and effective implementation to safeguard the state’s indigenous tribal culture from religious conversions.
In a formal appeal addressed to the Governor and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, AATSU expressed grave concern over the erosion of traditional tribal customs due to large-scale conversions. The union highlighted that many tribal communities have adopted foreign religions, leading to a gradual loss of indigenous identity and cultural heritage.
Concerns Over Religious Influence and Cultural Erosion
AATSU cited recent developments such as the formation of AAMPTYF in the Muslim community and viral videos showcasing Donyi Polo practitioners participating in Janajaateey Mahakumbh as evidence of external religious influences reshaping tribal communities. The statement also pointed out that a significant portion of the tribal population has already converted to Christianity and other faiths, leading to major socio-cultural shifts in Arunachal Pradesh.
The union also criticized the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) for allegedly modifying traditional tribal spiritual practices under the guise of modernization. AATSU stated that cultural alterations resembling other religious customs—such as the introduction of statues, images, and foreign worship practices—are diluting the authenticity of tribal heritage.
Key Demands by AATSU
1. Strict Enforcement of APFRA 1978
AATSU urged the government to ensure that the anti-conversion law is implemented transparently and effectively. The union made specific demands regarding Section 8 of the Act, including:
Legislative Oversight & Public Consultation before implementing any new rules.
Protection of Indigenous Faith Practitioners, ensuring that those returning to their tribal faiths are not penalized.
Judicial Scrutiny of new regulations to prevent misuse.
Clear Definition of “Inducement” and “Force” in religious conversion cases.
Formation of an Independent Monitoring Committee with tribal representatives and legal experts.
Recognition of Indigenous Faith Revival Movements as cultural preservation, not religious conversion.
Annual Review and Report on Implementation of the law for transparency.
2. Inclusion of AATSU as Key Stakeholder
The union demanded that AATSU be actively involved in any discussions on reviewing and implementing APFRA 1978, ensuring that tribal voices are heard in policy decisions.
3. Preservation of Tribal Culture
AATSU urged the government to take strong measures to promote and protect indigenous faiths, including educational programs, awareness campaigns, and legal safeguards.
Condemnation of IFCSAP’s Influence on Indigenous Practices
AATSU strongly condemned the alteration of traditional tribal spiritual practices under IFCSAP’s guidance, particularly at Nyder Namlo and other sacred sites. The union accused IFCSAP of:
Introducing statues, images, and foreign worship methods that distort ancestral faith.
Allowing practices resembling Hindu religious traditions, leading to misrepresentation and confusion.
Contributing to increased religious conversions by weakening the distinct identity of indigenous beliefs.
AATSU’s Urgent Demands from IFCSAP
The union issued a firm ultimatum to IFCSAP, demanding:
Immediate removal of statues, images, and foreign religious symbols from tribal places of worship.
Restoration of original prayer methods, ensuring they remain distinct and authentic.
Protection of oral traditions and indigenous rituals from external influences.
AATSU has called upon the state government and IFCSAP to take immediate corrective action and provide a formal response to these concerns.
With tensions rising over the issue of religious conversion and cultural preservation, the state government’s response will be closely watched by tribal organizations, political leaders, and civil society groups.
