The Indian government decision to bring Uniform Civil Code (UCC) likely in the coming winter session of parliament is going to be a big blow to article 25 of the constitution for freedom of religious practice. Nagaland and the whole North-East state will be the one most unwelcoming to such a bill. If at all passed its implementation to the whole of North-East state will be the test of time mostly for the Christians dominated area to defend their religions to be diluted by laws.
For Nagas accepting UCC will be next to impossible for we will not accept any force to act upon our faith and belief. In-fact Nagas has a complete different culture and religion from that of the main land and imposition upon the culture of the Nagas will not be acceptable by the people. Nagas will not allow its religion to be practice under any law, our faiths are purely on our choice and belief and cannot allow any authority to detect our faith and belief with its law, Nagas by blood are different from Indians and our culture and tradition are different from her. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a serious issue and all Nagas irrespective of political parties and different religious organisation need to put its head together on its impact on the future of the Nagas. It is obvious that Uniform Civil Code will not only affect our religion but the very system that we practice which is our natural way and our convenience. There will be a total disruption to our culture and religion and we will live a life on imposition with disgrace and shame if UCC is imposed. Even if the government contention on UCC is only for the integration of India into oneness the policy behind is to dehumanise some section of people and exterminate the minorities, no common man is opposed to the integrity and unity of India but how can a government impose on the faith and religion of the people with forced law. From my layman perspective UCC is never good for the people of Nagas and we need a serious attention on this issue before anything is too late. Let us come together and contribute to our future.
Kenyuseng Tep
