ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Nov 3: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has submitted a six-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, seeking immediate solution of the Tawang Church issue before the 2024 elections, repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, and exemption of the Uniform Civil Code in the state before the 2024 elections.
Speaking to reporters at the press club on Friday, Secretary General of ACF, James Techi Tara, asserted that on the advise of Chief Minister Pema Khandu to hold talks with the indigenous people of Tawang regarding the Church issue, the ACF made several attempts to contact them, but no progress has been yet made.
"For the last three years, the issue has been pending, so we urge the authorities to resolve it before the next Assembly Elections in the state. Failing to do so may compel the Christian community to take extreme action," James added.
Recalling Chief Minister Pema Khandu's assurance to repeal the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978 during his attendance at the 10th death anniversary event of Prem Bhai at Banderdewa in 2018, the ACF Secretary-General stated that the Christian community opposes such an Act, as there is no forceful conversion in the state.
He also urged the state government to refrain from favoring particular regions in the state and extending financial support for building religious infrastructure from the state exchequer.
"We are not against any religion or development, but funding a particular religion is not a good sign for the state government in a secular country," James said.
Furthermore, the ACF also urged the government to exempt the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The UCC may encroach upon the right to freedom of religion and pose a danger to the ethnic identity of the tribal communities in the state. Arunachal Pradesh, being a tribal state, has a diversity of culture, tradition, and ethnicity, it said.

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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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