India, May 3 -- Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing widespread protests as thousands of Christians across the state demand the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. The demonstrations, led mainly by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) and allied groups, have spread across several districts, including Itanagar, Pasighat, Lower Dibang Valley, West Siang, East Kameng, Kamle and Changlang. The protests have brought renewed attention to the long-standing debate over religious freedom, indigenous identity, and cultural preservation in the eastern Himalayan state.

At the centre of the controversy is a law passed nearly five decades ago but largely inactive for years. The issue resurfaced after a 2024 directive by th...