In an attempt to restrict superstitious practices of the Church and missionaries, the Arunachal Pradesh government has outlawed the practice of prayer healing, healing crusades, and healing through local priests as a remedy for various diseases and illnesses in the state’s Upper Siang district.
According to sources, the activities were being advertised in the city by different organisations claiming healing of various diseases through magical prayers which is in violation of the Drug & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertising) Act of 1954.
Magical remedies and prayers are claimed to have been therapies used in the treatment of a number of ailments and illnesses, resulting in serious health implication. This amounted to duping gullible people by convincing them to forego medical care.
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An official announcement dated February 28, 2023 stated that it has socio-cultural implications like conversion and may promote strife between individuals and communities.
The district magistrate said since the practices are a violation of the Drug & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertising) Act of 1954, the government has rightly outlawed these marketing and therapeutic methods.
Advertising of magical treatments for the treatment of certain illnesses and disorders is prohibited by Section 5 of the Act. The publishing of any advertisement relating to any magic remedy that directly or indirectly purports to be effective for any of the reasons stated in section 3 is prohibited for anyone who is engaged in or pretends to be engaged in the business of administering magic remedies.
As per the official notification, prayer healing, healing crusades, healing through local priests (Epak) etc at public places, and displaying advertisements have been banned within the Upper Siang district.
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