Matters India Reporter
Itanagar, October 19, 2025: In a sweeping show of cultural solidarity, over 10,000 indigenous faith followers from across Arunachal Pradesh converged in Itanagar for a peaceful protest rally demanding the enforcement of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978.
The October 18 event, organized by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), the rally—dubbed Chalo Itanagar—began at the Ramakrishna Mission Grounds and culminated at the Mopin-Solong Ground. Participants from more than two dozen tribes marched in traditional attire, many wearing green sashes symbolizing unity and ancestral pride.
“The anti-conversion law seeks to protect all religions and preserve the indigenous cultures in the State,” said IFCSAP President Emi Rumi, addressing the crowd. “The Act is not against any religion. It is meant to protect all religions and preserve the indigenous cultures of Arunachal Pradesh.”
The 1978 legislation, though passed decades ago, has remained largely unenforced. Protesters voiced concern over increasing religious conversions and the erosion of tribal belief systems, calling on the state government to uphold its constitutional responsibility.
The rally featured cultural performances, prayer chants, and speeches from tribal elders and youth leaders. Organizers emphasized that the movement was not anti-minority but pro-heritage, aimed at safeguarding the pluralistic fabric of Arunachal’s indigenous traditions.
The peaceful demonstration with chants of “Faith, Identity, Dignity” echoed through the capital highlighting growing concerns among tribal communities about the erosion of traditional practices and the need for legal safeguards.
Let’s hope the ongoing Composite Hearing of all Anti-conversion Law cases in the Supreme Court puts paid to the draconian anti-constitutional laws passed in the 12 states. The last hearing took place on 16 September 2025, after a hiatus of two and a half years. The Court set a four-week deadline for state governments to file their replies to legal challenges raised by petitioners against these laws which criminalize religious conversions. This deadline has just elapsed, and we can expect a renewed hearing in November 2025. Expediting the hearing is of paramount importance in view of more NDA-ruled states, for example Maharashtra, contemplating introduction of Anti-Conversion laws (ironically called `Freedom of Religion’ acts).