ITANAGAR, Oct 13:The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) on Friday has demanded the government to roll back its decision to create a separate Department for Indigenous Faith and Cultural Affairs within October 25 next, while threatening to resort to democratic means of protest to seek justice for the Christian community.

In a press conference held this afternoon at press club, General Secretary, ACF, Toko Teki while terming the move as violation of Article 27 of the Constitution has alleged that it has created unrest among the Christian community of the state.

Teki asserted that India being a secular country, it is  clearly  written in the constitution that  any governing body or state cannot  patronize or promote any single religion using tax payers money, which will divide the community on religious lines.

Clarifying that the ACF is not against indigenous faith, Vice President of Nyishi Baptist Church Council, Toko Kach stated that there is an Art & Culture Department to look after the indigenous people’s interest and to preserve indigenous faith & culture.

‘Why is the government unnecessarily creating another separate department investing huge sum of money from the state exchequer?’ he said.

He also went on to call the move to create a separate department as handiwork of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or others at the Centre with vested interest to target Christianity and isolate it from rest of the religions.

“We know that the state government did not intentionally create the department, but it is the handiwork of the ruling party, who are instigating friction between communities,” he alleged while adding that it would not let any "injustice" happen to the community and will continue to fight for their right and equality.

Recalling Chief Minister, Pema Khandu’s assurance to uphold religious freedom and communal harmony in the state, President of Arunachal Christian revival church council, Reverend Dr. Nyokdo Tassar expressed shock that despite several requests, the government arbitrarily went ahead with the decision.

Tassar urged the government to ensure that there is complete freedom of religion in the state and initiate immediate concrete measures to alleviate tension and protect the fundamental rights of the Christian community.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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