Pema Khandu - a Buddhist who heads the nationalist BJP-led state government in Arunachal Pradesh, made the surprising promise at an event marking ten years since a lay Benedictine missionary died in the country.
Speaking to a Catholic audience - which included nine bishops, he said: "Though I have been told that the law has been never implemented ... in future, it could be misused by a chief minister, chief secretary or DGP [director general of police].
"Any misuse of the law leading to the torture of people could trigger large-scale violence in the state and could break Arunachal into pieces."
The current 1978 act prohibits "conversion from one religious faith to any other ... by use of force or inducement or by fraudulent means and for matters connected therewith".
Violators can be imprisoned for up to two years and given a fine of up to $150.
Taw Tebin, the president of Arunchal Pradesh Catholic Association, told World Watch Monitor: "This law has always remained a threat to the Christians. The declaration by the chief minister is a big relief for the Christian community."
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
