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Anti-Conversion Law Sparks Religious Tension in Arunachal Pradesh
Nirjuli, India – Concerns are mounting in Arunachal Pradesh over the potential enforcement of a decades-old anti-conversion law. The law, initially passed in 1978 but largely unenforced, is now the subject of renewed debate and legal challenges, stirring anxieties within the Christian community and raising questions about religious freedom in the tribal-dominated state.
The Revival of the law has re-ignited discussions about religious identity, indigenous rights, and the role of faith in the region. Critics fear the law could be weaponized to suppress religious minorities, while proponents argue it is indeed necessary to protect indigenous faiths from what they see as forceful conversions.
The Roots of the Controversy
The Genesis of the current conflict traces back to 2022, when Tambo Tamin, then affiliated with the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of arunachal Pradesh, petitioned for the law’s revival. Tamin cited a significant decline in followers of indigenous faiths, from nearly two-thirds of the population in 1971 to just a quarter by 2011. He attributed this decline to “continuous conversions of indigenous faith groups to alien faiths.”
In September 2024, a court mandated the state government to establish enforcement rules within six months. However, facing increasing opposition from Christian groups, the government sought an extension to allow for broader consultations, including the formation of a committee with representatives from various religious communities. tamin subsequently filed a petition against this extension in late May.
According to Tamin, Conversions are not always voluntary. He stated, “Peopel shouldn’t convert forcefully and by inducement… People from the church would come time and again home to campaign and try to coax people to convert.”
Christian Community Concerns
christians in Arunachal Pradesh fear that the anti-conversion law will be used to target their community.James Techi Tara, general secretary of the Arunachal Christian Forum, emphasized the need to “defend my father’s faith.” At a recent gathering at Nirjuli town Baptist Church, he rallied congregants against the legislation, displaying a Bible verse from Matthew: “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
The Law defines “force” broadly, including “threat of divine displeasure or social excommunication.” James argued that this could criminalize core Christian beliefs and practices. He Critized additional provisions requiring converts to notify the deputy commissioner and mandating the maintenance of a list of religious organizations and their members.
A Christian resident said, “The Law violates a constitutional right to freely profess religion.”
The Nationalist Outlook
while Critics view the law as a tool of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Suneel Kumar of the Arunachal Vikas Parishad argues that the law is about preserving society, not politics. He believes that stricter enforcement earlier could have prevented the growth of Christianity in the state.
James Lowangcha Wanglat, a former state minister, reflected on the initial passage of the law, stating, “We had let a sleeping beast lie… There was no conflict between the indigenous faith group and the Christian group.”
Religious Demographics and Past Context
Arunachal Pradesh has experienced significant religious shifts over the past century. Christian missionaries began their work in the region in the 1830s.
Between 1971 and today, Christians have grown from less than 1% to 30% of arunachal Pradesh’s population. Nationally, Christians constitute only about 2% of India’s population.
During the tenure of K.A.A. Raja, the first chief commissioner, there were reports of church burnings and crackdowns on missionaries. Raja also invited leaders from the RSS, who established schools and promoted tribal faiths.
The Role of Indigenous Organizations
The Indigenous faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), formed in 1999, aims to “preserve, protect and promote the indigenous faith and the rich
