Guwahati: A recent viral video of the Arunachal Pradesh Christian Forum (ACF) demonstration against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) has triggered widespread concern among people of different faiths in the northeastern state and neighbouring Assam. The footage, showing thousands pledging to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Christian state,’ has reignited debates over religious conversions and demographic changes in the region.
Viral video declaring Arunachal as a Christian state sparks panic
In the widely circulated video, a leader of the Christian protest rally is heard making a controversial statement:
“Arunachal to Assam is the land of our fathers. From Tawang to Longding, Mesuka to Itanagar, today we declare in the name of Lord Jesus that Arunachal belongs to Jesus.”
The rally, organized under the banner of the Arunachal Christian Forum, saw a massive gathering of people openly advocating for Arunachal Pradesh as a Christian state. This has raised serious concerns among indigenous faith practitioners and other religious groups, who fear an aggressive push for conversions in the region.
The video has particularly alarmed communities in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, given the rapid growth of Christianity in these states over the past few decades. The incident has also sparked debates on the effectiveness of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA), which was enacted to curb religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means.
Christian population surge in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed an unprecedented rise in its Christian population over the last few decades. According to census data:
1971: Christians made up only 0.79 per cent of the state’s population.
1981: The figure rose to 4.32 per cent.
1991: It further increased to 10.30 per cent.
2001: The Christian population reached 18.72 per cent.
2011: The number stood at 30.26 per cent.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Census was delayed, but analysts predict that the Christian population in Arunachal Pradesh may have surpassed 40 per cent by now, driven by aggressive evangelism and mass conversions.
This rapid demographic shift has raised concerns among indigenous communities, who fear that their traditional faiths and cultural identity are under threat. The issue of large-scale conversions is particularly sensitive in Arunachal Pradesh, where various indigenous groups have preserved their unique spiritual traditions for centuries.
Protests against Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA)
On March 6, 2025, Christian evangelist groups organized a massive demonstration in Itanagar, demanding the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA). The rally, led by the ACF, saw participants carrying placards with slogans like:
“We demand the repeal of APFRA”
“There is no honor in enforcing APFRA”
Earlier, on February 17, 2025, the ACF had staged an 8-hour hunger strike to protest against the act, claiming that it infringes on religious freedom.
What is the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA)?
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 was enacted to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions in the state. The law prohibits conversions through:
Force – Using threats, coercion, or violence to make someone change their religion.
Inducement – Offering financial benefits, gifts, or promises of better living conditions to influence religious conversions.
Fraudulent Means – Misrepresentation, false claims, or deceptive practices to persuade individuals to convert.
Section 3 of the Act clearly states:
“No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to any other religious faith by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means, nor shall any person abet any such conversion.”
The law was introduced to safeguard indigenous faiths, which include
Buddhism (practiced by Monpas, Membas, Sherdukpens, Khambas, Khamptis, and Singphos)
Vaishnavism (practiced by Noctes)
Donyi-Polo (Nature worship followed by several indigenous tribes)
While the Act was meant to protect indigenous religions, Christian groups argue that it restricts religious freedom and discriminates against Christians.
Growing tensions over religious conversions in Arunachal & Assam
The controversy surrounding the viral video and the ongoing protests against APFRA highlight the growing tensions over religious conversions in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Over the years, Christian missionary activities have intensified in the northeast, leading to demographic shifts and cultural concerns among indigenous communities. Many believe that mass conversions could disrupt the traditional religious landscape, while others argue that individuals have the right to choose their faith freely.
With the next Census expected soon the actual extent of demographic changes in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam will become clearer, potentially intensifying debates on religious conversion laws.
The viral video of the Christian rally declaring Arunachal Pradesh as a ‘Christian state’ has sparked widespread discussions on religious conversions, demographic shifts, and indigenous rights. While Christian groups continue to push for the repeal of APFRA, proponents of the law argue that it is essential for preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
With religious conversions becoming a heated issue, the Arunachal Pradesh government may soon face increased pressure to either strengthen or reconsider the implementation of APFRA, making it a crucial topic for the state’s socio-political future.
