Enforcing the 1978 Law for Arunachal's Security

Application of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, is viewed as important to preserve the cultural and strategic integrity of the state. The state of Arunachal Pradesh borders China and is worried about quick religious conversions that have boosted the number of Christians from 0.79% in 1971 to 30.26% by 2011. The change in population has implications for security as such transformations in other northeast states have been connected with separatism. The Act seeks to safeguard indigenous religions and avoid coercive conversions in order to preserve local cultures and traditions. It has been welcomed by organizations such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, which believes in the preservation of tribal identities.

 

Source: Moneycontrol, Indian Express, NDTV