Nagaland assembly unanimously opposed Uniform Civil Code
Nagaland assembly on Monday unanimously opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told the house that the UCC as single law which deals with all matters relating to marriage and divorce succession and inheritance, adoption including personal laws and practices.
The Chief Minister said that the UCC should be exempted for the state of Nagaland on the ground Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 (BEFR Act 1873), 9-Point Agreement 1947 and 16-Point Agreement 1960.
Under the BEFR Act 1873, Inner Line Permit (ILP) system was introduced in Nagaland and other northeastern states while the 9-Point Agreement 1947 granted judicial, executive and legislative powers, as well as autonomy in land-related matters in Nagaland and under the 16-Point Agreement 1960, the Government of India recognised the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged state.
MLA Imkong L. Imchen said that the implementation of UCC could potentially lead to inconvenience for the people of Nagaland.
He further noted that the verbal assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured to exempt Nagaland from the UCC.
Leader of Naga People’s Front legislature party, Kuzholuzo Nienu said that any attempt to enforce UCC on the diverse communities across the country would be futile and counterproductive and that it would be a direct threat to the fabric of a communitarian tribal ethos and values.
Imposing UCC is betraying the hope and trust of the minorities, especially the tribal communities, for whom constitutional provisions, like article 371 (A), has been provided to protect and promote the customs, values and practices, he said.
Minister, Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G.
