Kohima, 11 September (MTNews): The second session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) which began today in Kohima held discussions on matters of urgent public importance, specifically focusing on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).
Regarding the UCC, MLA & Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu expressed his gratitude to the members of the 14th NLA for opposing the UCC. He emphasized that implementing the UCC across diverse communities in India would be futile and counterproductive, posing a direct threat to the cultural and tribal values of Nagaland’s minorities. Nienu urged the assembly to pass a resolution to exempt the state from the UCC.
Minister, Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye highlighted the significance of Article 371(A) in safeguarding social and religious practices and providing constitutional guarantees.
Various MLAs and advisors, including Dr Sukhato, Imkong L Imchen, Nuklutoshi, Achumbemo Kikon, Dr Neisato Mero, Jwenga Seb, Moatoshi Longkumer, KT Sukhalu, and Er Picto, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the UCC on the state and called for its exemption.
In conclusion, Chief Minister & Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio, thanked everyone for their participation and announced that the NLA would pass a resolution to exempt Nagaland from the UCC based on the discussions and suggestions put forth.
On the FCA, MLAs and Advisors including KG Kenye, Temjen Imna Along, Achumbemo Kikon, Mhathung Yanthan, G Kaito Aye, Dr Sukhato, Nyamnyei Konyak, Dr Neisato Mero, and Kuzholuzo Nienu, discussed the importance of protecting the state’s land and resources. They advocated for the exemption of private and community-owned forests from the purview of the Act. It was also suggested that a resolution be passed in the NLA to ensure the state’s exemption from the Forest Conservation Act.
In response, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized the need for proper legislation on Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning while ensuring that land and its resources are managed in cooperation with the central government when necessary for development or security-related matters.
The NLA is set to pass resolutions addressing both the Uniform Civil Code and the Forest Conservation Act based on the discussions held during the session.
(More details here)