Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 13 (EMN): The leader of Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislature party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, on Tuesday, condemned the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and demanded withdrawal of the proposed bill from parliament.
He stated this while addressing the golden jubilee cum Sadar Games and Sports meet of the Thüvopisü Youth Association (TYA) at local Ground, Thüvopisü village in Phek district as special guest.
Nienu lamented that despite earlier oppositions against the introduction of the bill twice -- November 2019 and March 2020 -- and subsequent withdrawal of the same, the UCC bill was introduced again by BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena in the Rajya Sabha on Friday (December 9).
The NPF leader stated that the UCC disregards the sentiments, beliefs and values of the minority communities of the country, adding that it goes against the spirit of Indian federalism and the very foundation upon which Nagaland was created.
"Not only that, it also seeks to undermine the fundamental rights – the freedom of religion – guaranteed by the constitution of India. Its implementation will destroy the cultural ethos and practices of tribal communities of the country, especially the Northeastern tribes", he said.
He pointed out that a state like Nagaland has diverse tribes, each taking pride in its unique customary laws to regulate their lives.
‘Introduction of a law that seeks to address personal and other core values of a community without any understanding of their cultural beliefs and values is to repeat the ugly face of colonial imperialism in the post-independent era,’ he said.
Nienu asserted that the UCC is an attempt to do away with tribal identities and consequently, the very idea of “unity in diversity” itself and added that a true parliamentarian should take into consideration the aspirations and struggles of the weaker section of the society before legislating any law.
"Unfortunately, the people and lawmakers representing different people and interests have not been consulted in this case. Let alone the tribals! Such a move will only divide the people further and threaten the integrity, peace and unity of the country," he stated.
Further, Nienu vehemently rejected the proposed bill and called upon all right thinking citizens to oppose and reject the same ‘if the government is to protect the nation’.