Mokokchung, 29 June (MTNews): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has voiced strong opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), expressing concerns over the potential negative impact on the rights and freedom of minority communities and tribal people in India. The NDPP’s stance comes in response to the Public Notice issued on 14 June 2023 by the 22nd Law Commission of India (LCI), which is tasked with examining the implementation of the UCC.
The NDPP said that Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union through a political agreement between the two sides after the GoI recognized the struggle and history of the Nagas. The Nagas have been ensured the protection of our customary practices and traditions by the insertion of Article 371(A) in the Constitution of India, NDPP also said.
The party said that the Indo-Naga political dialogue for a peaceful and honorable settlement is at a crucial juncture. In view of these aspects, it said it would be unwise to put in place a law such as the UCC which is bound to have significant consequences on the positive path the political process has taken over the last 26 years of negotiations.
“Having endured a long period of turmoil and bloodshed, today the Nagas want the peace that has been in place since the negotiations began, to become permanent,” the party said. “However, to introduce a new law that will have deep impact upon the personal laws of the people will instead create further uncertainty and has the serious potential to threaten the peaceful environment,” it added.
The NDPP said that India is a secular democratic republic which promises to promote fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Unity in Diversity has always been the hallmark of India and we are looked upon as a beautiful bouquet with different flowers of diverse colors and varieties.
“Considering that our nation is made up of diverse people of different backgrounds having their very own traditions, customs and practices, introducing a common civil code for the populace will surely have adverse results in achieving the ideals of the country,” it cautioned.
This, it said, will in turn surely create a sentimental and emotional divide which will not be good for national integration. Moreover, it said, there are many sections of the people who are yet to completely integrate emotionally with the Indian Union. “Many of these sections still consider the practices, cultures and beliefs of the mainland as strange and alien to their social and traditional practices.”
The NDPP said that federalism is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution which should never be altered or destroyed. The idea of India is based on tolerance, respect for all sections and appreciation of all faiths, it said.
“Keeping these apprehensions in mind, the NDPP as a political party whose very ideology is to protect the rights, customs and traditions of our people is opposed to the implementation of the UCC,” the party declared.
Stating that since the process of implementing the UCC is still at its nascent stage, the NDPP urged the GoI and the members of the 22nd Law Commission to reconsider the matter and let the decision of the 21st Law Commission remain unchanged.
The NDPP also impressed upon the Government of Nagaland (GoN) to “not waiver from our commitment to the Naga people, but stand steadfast to protect and safeguard our identity, our customs, traditions and our unique history” as and when its opinion is sought.