ITANAGAR, Sep 3: The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has earlier rescheduled the meeting of the High Power Committee to examine the draft rules of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. The proposed meeting will be held on September 5 in the Civil Secretariat, Itanagar.
The session will be chaired by the Minister for Home, Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) Mama Natung. The objective is to deliberate on the draft rules and ensure clarity in the implementation of the landmark Act.
The High Power Committee comprises key ministers, senior bureaucrats, and representatives of major faith-based and indigenous organizations of the state. Among the members are:
Shri Kento Jini, Hon’ble Minister (Law, Legislative & Justice, SJETA & Youth Affairs)
Shri Balo Raja, Hon’ble Minister (Urban Affairs, Land Management & Civil Aviation)
Shri Honchun Ngandam, Hon’ble MLA-cum-Advisor to Minister, PWD (EZ)
Shri Ginjum Bomjen, Addl. Secretary, Law & Justice, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
Shri Tarh Miri, President, Arunachal Christian Forum
Dr. Emi Rumi, President, Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP)
Shri Dorjee Phuntso, President, Monpa Mimang Tsogpa
Shri Chow Shirajaha Chautang, President, Tai Khamti Development Society
Shri Techi Gubin, President, Arunachal Vikas Parishad
Shri Tadar Bingle, General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Arunachal Pradesh)
Shri Pige Ligu, IAS, Secretary, Indigenous Affairs, Govt. of A.P.
However, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has formally rejected its participation in the 12-member High Power Committee (HPC) constituted by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to examine the draft rules of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA-1978).
In a strongly worded memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the ACF leadership stated that the Christian community of the state will not be part of the committee, citing multiple reasons for their non-participation.
Key Objections Raised by ACF:
- Fundamental Opposition to the Act
ACF reiterated that its objection is to the APFRA-1978 itself, not merely the draft rules of 2024. The Forum said the Act contains “ambiguities that abridge the fundamental rights of the Christian community” guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. - Bias in Committee Leadership
The ACF objected to the HPC being chaired by Shri Mama Natung, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, claiming that the department “works against the interest of Christianity.” They also pointed out that the same minister had earlier headed the three-member committee on the Tawang Church construction issue and submitted a report that was “negative and aggravating.” - Disproportionate Representation
The memorandum expressed concerns that the HPC is dominated by representatives of certain faith groups, while the Christian community has been given only one seat. “All elected representatives in the HPC belong to the ruling party (BJP), which would lead to a one-sided outcome,” the ACF stated. - Demand for Reconstitution
ACF urged the state government to reconstitute the HPC under a neutral and eminent personality, preferably a serving or retired High Court judge, with proportionate representation from all faiths and stakeholders before any meaningful discussion on APFRA-1978 could take place.
ACF’s further stated, “We outrightly reject the High Power Committee and shall not join it,” The Forum emphasized that until the statute itself is brought under discussion, participation in framing its rules would undermine the rights and concerns of the Ch
