ACF Demands State Govt To Roll Back Its Order Banning Public Healing Programs

Last updated Mar 22, 2023 13

Guwahati: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) on March 22 urged the state administration to revoke the ban on Christians practising their faith that had been issued by the Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner.

The Upper Siang DM outlawed doing pujas, healing crusades, healing through the local priest (Epak), and prayer healing on public property on February 28.

”The executive order issued by the DC was in violation of the Constitution of India. In this regard, we have submitted a representation to the DC and appealed for immediate recall of the executive order,” said ACF president Tarh Miri while addressing a press conference at Arunachal Press Club.

The executive order was allegedly issued by mistake by the DC “whereas the ‘healing crusade’ does not come within this Act,” according to ACF secretary general James Techi Tara.

When asked about the building of a church in Tawang, Techi claimed that after the Chief Minister’s intervention and guarantee that the problem would be resolved, ACF was forced to abandon its campaign to build a church there.

He also asked about the Tawang church issue and declared that they had waited long enough.

The ACF also expressed its unhappiness over the Budget 2023–24’s lack of funding allocation for educational institutions run by Christian missionaries.

Many organisations are using prayer healing, healing crusades, healing through local priests (Epak), Pujas, etc., or (by whatever name called), according to the DM’s order, as a treatment for a variety of diseases and illnesses.

”Such practices are misleading innocent people from taking courses in scientific medical treatment and causing severe health issues. It also gives rise to socio-cultural problems like conversion to other faiths, thereby spreading discord among people and groups,” the order read.

Also, the District Magistrate instructed the Upper Siang District SP to take the required steps to carry out the order and to take appropriate punishment against anyone who disobeyed it.