UCF CALLS UPON EVERY CHRISTIAN IN INDIA TO SUPPORT THE CALL OF ACF’S MASS VEHICLE RALLY IN ITANAGAR ON JUNE 18 AGAINST APFRA DRAFT RULES
AC Michael
For Immediate Release
UCF CALLS UPON EVERY CHRISTIAN IN INDIA TO SUPPORT THE CALL OF
ACF’S MASS VEHICLE RALLY IN ITANAGAR ON JUNE 18
AGAINST
APFRA DRAFT RULES
New Delhi – 9 June 2026
United Christian Forum (UCF) calls upon every Indian Christian to support the announcement made by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) for a mass vehicle rally to be held in the state capital, Itanagar, on June 18, 2026, intensifying its opposition to the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and its draft rules.
UCF is opposed to mistrust, suspicion and control because such laws are being
framed targetting the Christian population of the state. The intention behind such
laws is to evolve into a restrictive force—especially when it deals with
something as deeply personal as belief. This law will take away the guarantee
given under Article 25, wherein every citizen is guaranteed the freedom to
profess, practice, and propagate religion.
While the Constitution allows reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and health, such restrictions must be precise, necessary, and proportionate. The concern with APFRA is that it risks crossing this line. Instead of narrowly targeting coercion, it creates a broader framework that can affect even voluntary and genuine expressions of faith. This raises a fundamental question: does APFRA protect freedom, or does it inadvertently limit it?
The Question of personal autonomy at the heart of this debate lies the issue of
personal autonomy. The decision to embrace or change one’s religion is among
the most intimate choices an individual can make. It involves personal
reflection, spiritual exploration, and often, profound life experiences. When
the state imposes procedural requirements or scrutiny on such decisions, it
enters a deeply personal space. This raises ethical and constitutional
concerns. Can belief be subject to approval? Can conscience be regulated? In a
free society, the answer must be no.
Dr. Michael Williams, National President of UCF said: “Repealing
APFRA is not about removing protection—it is about restoring balance. It is
about ensuring that laws do not overreach into personal freedoms. It is about
aligning state legislation with constitutional values. It is about building a
society where trust replaces suspicion.”
According to ACF leaders, the vehicle rally aims to demonstrate public opposition to the proposed rules and seek wider participation. The rally is expected to witness participation from various districts across Arunachal Pradesh.
About UCF
United Christian Forum (UCF) operates a toll-free helpline number 1-800-208-4545, out of New Delhi, since 19th of January 2015 with the aim of upholding fundamental freedom and promotion of values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of India. The helpline helps people in distress, especially those who are not aware of the law of the land and the system by guiding them how to reach out to the public authorities and by providing the way to legal remedies.
Issued by Mr. Toko Teki, UCF Spokesperson for Northeast India (Region), Mobile: 9436040415
ABOUT UCF TOLL-FREE HELPLINE NUMBER
UCF toll-free helpline number: 1-800-208-4545 was launched on 19th January 2015 with the aim of upholding fundamental freedom and promotion of values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of India.
The helpline helps people in distress, especially those who are not aware of the law of the land and the system by guiding them how to reach out to the public authorities and by providing the way to legal remedies.