Naga Tribal Union Churnoukedima Town (NTUCT) has opposed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
In a representation to member secretary of Law Commission of India, NTUCT president Lhousito Khro and general secretary Longshi Kikon urged the Centre and the 22nd Law Commission to reconsider the matter and exclude Nagaland from the purview of the UCC, in the event of it being enforced, and stand steadfast and committed to protect and safeguard the unique history of Nagas, as recognised and declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They cautioned that implementation of UCC, which was a set of laws intended to govern personal laws, culture heritage and traditions, during this period of uncertainty would invite negativity on the part of minorities and impinge on tribal autonomy, whereby “unity in diversity” would be fragmented. They pointed out that Nagaland became the 16th State in the Union of India after signing of the 16-Point Agreement in 1960 with a special provision inserted in the Constitution of India under Article 371 (A) though the Thirteenth Constitutional (Amendment) Act, 1962, and the State came into being on December 1, 1963.
Indigenous inhabitants of the hill State since time immemorial, the duo said the Nagas were governed by customary laws in matters concerning society, religion, natural resources, inheritance, etc. Civil and criminal justices were delivered as per the customary laws.
They reminded the commission that even in matters of ownership and transfer of land and resources, Central legislations would not apply to Nagaland unless the State Legislative Assembly so resolved. They stressed that their unique tribal traditions and culture were of paramount importance for the people of Nagaland, adding that any intent to alter and encroach into the protected cultural and religious autonomy would directly infringe on Article 371 (A) of the constitution.
They claimed that in one of its reports in 2018, the 21st Law Commission had clearly stated that UCC was neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Hence, they cautioned that attempt to impose it would be a betrayal of trust and hope for the minorities, especially the tribal communities for whom the constitutional provision had been provided for protecting and promoting their customs, values and sense of Identity.
They cautioned that imposing and implementing UCC could have an adverse impact, resulting in fragmentation of the great nation.
Taking all this into consideration, the NTUCT leaders expressed their strong opposition to UCC.