by Muslim Mirror Staff
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has allegedly given assurance to a delegation from the Nagaland government that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would not apply to tribals and Christians.
Nagaland, being predominantly a Christian state and home to various ethnic and tribal groups, expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of the UCC. A 12-member delegation led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with Shah on July 5 in Delhi to discuss these concerns.
The delegation highlighted the potential repercussions of implementing the UCC in Nagaland and stressed the importance of protecting the religious practices of the Christian community and tribal groups, reported Hindustan Times.
“Responding to the concerns, he (Shah) in no uncertain terms assured the delegation that the Centre is actively considering for exemption of Christians and some tribal areas from the purview of the 22nd Law Commission’s exercise,” stated government spokesperson and minister KG Kenye in a release on Thursday.
The Union Home Ministry has not released an official statement regarding the reported assurance given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the Nagaland government delegation. However, it is worth noting that the Law Commission has sought feedback on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and it has received nearly 2 million responses, as per reports. Additionally, a committee appointed by Uttarakhand has finalized a draft of the UCC, which will be submitted to the state.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the UCC during a meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, although specific details about his comments were not provided in the given information.
The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has faced strong opposition from various quarters, including opposition parties, religious bodies, and tribal groups. Many tribal and ethnic groups across different states, as well as political leaders and chief ministers, have expressed their opposition to the UCC.
As a result, Sushil Modi, the head of the parliamentary panel on public grievances, law, and justice, has supported the demand to exclude tribal communities and northeastern states from the ambit of the UCC.
During the meeting with the Nagaland delegation, the issue of the protracted Naga political problem was raised, highlighting the urgency for a swift resolution. The delegation also discussed the proposal for the creation of the Frontier Naga Territory, an autonomous council that would cover six eastern districts of the state. This proposal was put forward in response to the demand for a separate state by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO).
Reports indicate that negotiations are progressing towards a conclusive stage, and preparations are underway to outline the concept and structure of the new entity.
