NEW DELHI, 9 Jun: The United Christian Forum (UCF) has extended support to the proposed mass vehicle rally to be taken out by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) in Itanagar on 18 June against the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, draft rules.

Calling upon every Christian in the country to extend support to the rally, the UCF’s spokesperson for Northeast India, Toko Teki, in a press statement said, “Such laws are being framed targeting the Christian population of the state.” He said that the law would take away the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution.

“While the Constitution allows reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and health, such restrictions must be precise, necessary, and proportionate,” Teki said. He said the concern with the APFRA is that it risks crossing this limit.

“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?” he questioned.

The UCF said 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,” it stated.

Teki further asked, “Can belief be subject to approval? Can conscience be regulated? In a free society, the answer must be no.”

UCF national president Dr Michael Williams said: “Repealing the 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.”