The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), originally passed in 1978 but never fully implemented, has resurfaced as a contentious issue, causing deep religious divisions within the state. The recent order by a two-judge bench in September 2024, directing the government to finalize draft rules for its implementation within six months, has ignited heated debates across Arunachal Pradesh.

The situation bears some resemblance to the events in Manipur, where a high court order led to violent ethnic clashes, displacing thousands. While it is too early to predict whether Arunachal Pradesh will follow a similar trajectory, the early signs of religious polarization are concerning. The state's history of tribal unity is now being overshadowed by religious fault lines, raising fears of long-term social unrest.

Religious Divide: The Battle Between Opposing Groups

The implementation of APFRA has brought two influential groups to the forefront of the debate. On one side, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) strongly opposes the move, fearing that the Act will be used as a tool to curb religious freedom and target minority faiths. On the other side, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) is pushing for its early implementation, arguing that it is essential to preserve the indigenous cultural and religious practices of the state.

What was once a state known for its religious harmony is now experiencing unprecedented division. Pro-APFRA and anti-APFRA rallies are being held across the state, further fueling tensions. In a state where people traditionally align themselves based on tribal and clan identities rather than religious affiliation, the rise in religious polarization is an alarming development.

The Fragile Secular Fabric of Arunachal Pradesh at Risk

Historically, Arunachal Pradesh has been a secular state where people follow their faiths with mutual respect. Christian missionaries and Hindu religious organizations have been active in the region, but religion has rarely been a source of major conflict. However, the ongoing APFRA controversy is changing that dynamic, as individuals and communities are now openly expressing religious biases and making provocative statements against each other.

Families are reportedly being divided along religious lines, and conspiracy theories surrounding the intent behind implementing APFRA are spreading rapidly. While the law was enacted decades ago, the fact that it remained dormant for so long suggests that the people of Arunachal Pradesh did not feel the need for such legislation. The sudden push for its implementation raises concerns that external influences, particularly right-wing groups, may be playing a role in shaping the state's policies.

The Risk of Treating Arunachal Pradesh Like Other States

One of the biggest mistakes that national political entities could make is to assume that Arunachal Pradesh can be treated like other mainland Indian states. The socio-political landscape of Arunachal is unique. Unlike Assam, where a brute majority vote bank has allowed certain groups to dominate minority communities, Arunachal has maintained a delicate balance among its indigenous tribes.

Given its strategic geopolitical location, bordering China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, any form of internal strife in Arunachal Pradesh could have international ramifications. The central government, particularly the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the RSS, must tread carefully. A mishandled religious conflict could destabilize the region, impacting not just Arunachal but the entire northeastern frontier.

Lessons from Manipur: The Cost of Mishandling Ethnic and Religious Conflicts

The ongoing crisis in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a seemingly contained issue can spiral out of control. When the Manipur High Court ordered the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list in March 2023, it triggered widespread violence between the Meiteis and other ethnic groups like the Kukis. The state descended into chaos, resulting in massive loss of life and the displacement of over 60,000 people.

Manipur has never been the same since. The state remains volatile, and governance has broken down to the point where President's Rule had to be imposed. Arunachal Pradesh must learn from Manipur’s tragic experience and ensure that religious and ethnic fault lines do not widen beyond repair. Political and judicial authorities must handle the APFRA issue with utmost sensitivity to prevent a similar catastrophe.

The Responsibility of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the State Leadership

The onus of preventing Arunachal Pradesh from descending into religious turmoil lies with the state’s leadership, particularly Chief Minister Pema Khandu. His government must take immediate steps to defuse tensions and restore communal harmony. Instead of rushing to implement APFRA, the government should initiate open dialogues with all stakeholders, ensuring that the concerns of every community are addressed.

The focus should be on maintaining Arunachal’s historically peaceful coexistence, rather than allowing religious and political agendas to dictate state policies. This issue has already overshadowed critical concerns like unemployment, economic development, and infrastructure growth. If left unchecked, it could divert the state’s resources and energy away from meaningful progress.

A Call for Unity and Sensible Governance

Arunachal Pradesh stands at a crossroads. The implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act must be approached with extreme caution, taking into account the diverse fabric of the state. The people of Arunachal have always prided themselves on their cultural richness and unity. It is imperative that these values are upheld, even in the face of external pressures.

The central and state governments must recognize the fragile nature of the situation and act responsibly. Rather than deepening religious divisions, they must work towards fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and ensuring that Arunachal Pradesh remains a beacon of peace and stability in the Northeast.

If mishandled, the APFRA controversy could push Arunachal into uncharted waters, leading to long-term socio-political instability. The time to act is now—before the fire of religious division spreads beyond control.