Naga Hoho (NH), Sumi Hoho (SH), Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) and Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) on Monday joined others in strongly opposing the proposal to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.
Will undermine identity of Nagas: NH
NH: Naga Hoho through its president HK Zhimomi stated that any attempt to enforce “a one-size-fits-all approach” would undermine the constitutional provisions, unique history, and indigenous culture and identity of the Nagas, as well as the principles of unity in diversity in the country.
NH reminded that Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India recognized the special status and rights of the Nagas, adding that imposing UCC without taking into account the unique cultural and historical context of the Nagas would be tantamount to erasing their identity and diluting their cherished traditions.
Stating that India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity, the Naga Hoho said imposing a common code would overlook the diverse needs and aspirations of different communities and undermine the very essence of this unity in diversity.
Further, reminding of the ongoing “Indo-Naga” political talks, the NH said that the negotiations were based on mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to finding a sustainable solution that respected the unique historical identity and rights of the Nagas.
NH, therefore, urged the government and all responsible stakeholders to reconsider the imposition of a UCC and instead foster an environment that respects and safeguards the diverse cultural identities and traditions across the country.
Threat to religious freedom…: SH
SH: Opposing the implementation of UCC, the Sümi Hoho, apex body of Sümi tribe, asserted that UCC would have significant negative consequences for the tribal people, as well as other minority communities in India.
In a letter addressed to the member secretary, law commission, SH president I Nikheto Jimomi and general secretary Dr. Vihuto Asumi stated that the Nagaland, protected by Article 371A of the Constitution of India, has well-established customary laws, religious practices, and social traditions. SH stated that any imposition of UCC would directly violate the special status accorded to the people of Nagaland.
Further, SH said that introduction of UCC would undermine the core principle of unity in diversity enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Sumi hoho maintained that UCC represented a threat to the religious freedom and cultural rights of minorities, which were fundamental rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen.
Stating that Nagas, being distinct in their religious beliefs and social practices, were unfamiliar with many traditions prevalent on the mainland, the SH said any attempt to impose laws against the will of the people would be undemocratic and unacceptable.
Sümi Hoho has, therefore, affirmed to “vehemently opposes” the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state of Nagaland.
Likely to subsume personal laws: NGBF
NGBF: Nagaland Gaonburas Federation (NBGF) affirmed to strongly oppose proposal to implement UCC in Nagaland under any circumstances.
In a press release, NGBF general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and media secretary Akhu Naga said that UCC, which is likely to be tabled during the ensuing monsoon session, proposes to have one civil law for the entire Country, which would apply to all religious communities in personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, custody and adoption.
NGBF expressed apprehension that implementation of the UCC was likely to subsume all personal laws in the country. Currently, the federation said all issues that come within the definition of a ‘civil code’ under Indian law were governed by separate provisions under religious customary laws or codified laws pertaining to each religion in India.
However, NGBF said that if UCC comes into force, all autonomy given under those provisions until now would be irrelevant.
Further, NGBF reminded that Nagaland has a unique and diverse culture, traditions and its practices, which had been recognized and protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.
It said that enforcing anything other than that was a direct violation to the provision of the Constitution of India. “Implementing the UCC in Nagaland will dilute the entire system of governing and result in perplexity and chaos,” NGBF said.
NGBF has, therefore, affirmed to disown and opposes the proposal of UCC in Nagaland. The GBs appealed to the Government of India to keep Nagas outside the purview of UCC. “We have our history that enables us to say ‘No’ to UCC. We Nagas are Indian not by choice but by compulsion,” NGBF stated.
Minorities will marginalized: LBCA
LBCA: Extending support to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in opposing Uniform Civil Code, the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) stated that the “forcible attempt” to introduce UCC was seen as a move to destabilize the “greatness and uniqueness of our great nation.”
In a press release, LBCA president Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung and executive secretary Rev. Khonbemo P. Kikon stated that diverse culture having diverse religious practices makes India a nation great. “How can the future of this great Indian Nation be sacrificed for mere political gain?” LBCA asserted and maintained that
LBCA also maintained that with introduction of the proposed UCC, many minority groups in India would be marginalized and would be deprived of their customary practices and sacred religious faiths and beliefs. Besides, the church said bringing in “this bad law” would have adverse effect especially in terms of Human Resource Development and Cultural Diversity of India. “In short, this action will only result in the fall of this great Indian Nation,” LCBA stated.
Further, LBCA said that the constitutional provisions guaranteeing religious freedom and belief would be done away with, and the major brunt of which would be felt by the religious minorities who were also the sons of the soil.
The church reminded that state of Nagaland came into being out of Political Agreement through the 16-Point, in which the unique history of the Nagas was duly recognized by providing special provision under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. “This is a hard-earned provision, and every right-thinking citizen of Nagaland must come forward to oppose the extension of UCC in our land,” LBCA stated.
Meanwhile LBCA has affirmed to stand steadfastly with NBCC “till the introduction of this evil law in our land is defeated.”