DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed solidarity with the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh, raising concerns over the revival of a decades-old anti-conversion bill.
In a statement issued by NJCF President Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, the forum criticized the Arunachal Pradesh government for revisiting the controversial bill, calling it a "lame excuse" to claim that the state is compelled by a High Court directive. The forum emphasized that the bill remains a state subject and can only move forward if the state government chooses to enact it.
The NJCF alleged that the move appears to be an effort to "please the master" and warned that, if passed into law, the bill could restrict freedom of religion and speech in the state. "What is happening to the peace-loving people of Arunachal?" the statement read, while praising the resilience of Christians in the state who have opposed the bill.
The forum also pointed to the bill's historical context, noting its failure to gain traction in the late 1970s due to strong public opposition. According to the NJCF, renewed efforts to pass the bill appear to specifically target the Christian community, which has experienced significant growth over the past four decades.
"If enacted, this law could divide people along religious lines, an unfortunate development for the region," the NJCF warned, urging the government to respect the secular fabric of India and be sensitive to the concerns raised by those opposing the bill.
The statement concluded with a broader caution against the marginalization of Christians in India, highlighting the growing challenges faced by Christians in other parts of the country. "At any cost, we will stand together to defend the secular flavor of the country," Rev. Paphino said.
