Why Arunachal Pradesh is bringing back 1978 Act against ‘forceful’ religious conversion

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:

The Arunachal Pradesh government is planning to revive a 1978 law against forceful religious conversions by creating rules for its enforcement, 46 years after it was first passed.
The Act has remained dormant for nearly five decades due to political opposition, particularly from Christian groups in the state who viewed it as discriminatory.

About the Act:

The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was enacted by the first Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh.
This law was introduced to address the issue of religious conversions in the region, specifically to prohibit conversions that were seen as forceful.
The Act was enacted at a time when Arunachal Pradesh was witnessing significant changes in its religious landscape, especially in terms of increasing missionary activity.
The number of Christians in the state has grown rapidly over the years, and in the last census of 2011, they were enumerated as 26% of the population, making Christianity the largest religion in the state.

Key Provisions of the Act:

The Act prohibits the conversion of individuals from one religious faith to another through force, inducement, or fraudulent means.
Those found guilty of attempting to force conversions can face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.
Any act of conversion must be reported to the Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned. Failing to do so can lead to penalties for the person conducting the conversion.
The Act defines “indigenous faiths” as the religions and beliefs practiced by the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh. This includes Buddhism, nature worship (Donyi-Polo), and Vaishnavism, among others.
The Act defines “religious faiths” to include indigenous beliefs practiced by Arunachal Pradesh’s communities, such as Buddhism among Monpas, Membas, and others; Donyi-Polo nature worship; and Vaishnavism among Noctes and Akas.

Diverse Religious Practices in Arunachal Pradesh:

Monpas and Sherdukpens in West Arunachal Pradesh practice Mahayana Buddhism.
Khamptis and Singphos in East Arunachal Pradesh practice Theravada Buddhism.
Many tribes engage in polytheistic nature and ancestor worship, including the institutionalized Donyi Polo faith practiced by the Tani tribes (Nyishis, Adis, Apatanis, Galos, Misings, Tagins).